BAM To Monitor Swine Flu Daily Before Sudirman Cup Trip

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will monitor the outbreak of swine influenza with the help of local health authorities before deciding whether to send national shuttlers to the Sudirman Cup in Guangzhou, China from May 10-17.

BAM General Manager Kenny Goh said it was a proactive step to monitor the situation by seeking advice from health-related local authorities.

"The well-being and health of all the players are our utmost concern. We do not compromise on any health threats to our players while competing outside this country," he told Bernama when contacted here today.

Asked if the withdrawing would unavoidable if the prevailing outbreak worsened, Kenny said the final decision will depend on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as organizers of the Sudirman Cup.

For the Sudirman Cup which is the world mixed team championship, the Malaysian team will comprise of Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Wong Mew Choo, Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong and Wong Pei Tty/Chin Eei Hui.

Apart from the main list, the reserves list is made up of Tan Chun Seang, Muhammad Hafiz Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong (men's singles), Julia Wong (women's singles), Zakry Latif/Fairuzizuan Tazari (men's doubles) and Vivian Hoo (women's singles).

The Malaysian squad are drawn together with defending champion China, South Korea, Denmark, England, Indonesia, Japan and Hong Kong in Division One, in the tournament that will see 34 teams competing for the title.

In the 2007 edition held in Glasgow, Scotland, Malaysia finished sixth.

Meanwhile, according to World Health Organisation and US-based Centers For Disease and Prevention (CDC) websites, Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak has recorded 159 deaths with seven cases yet to be confirmed as swine flu.

The United States has the largest number of confirmed cases with 64, Canada 13, New Zealand (3), England, Spain, Israel and Germany one each.

Suspected cases were also reported in Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, Australia, South Korea and seven Europe countries.

-- BERNAMA