Miri pencak silat competition faces atmosphere shift after spectator ban

MIRI: The pencak silat event misses its former electric atmosphere which was once fuelled by passionate supporters following the imposition of a no-spectators policy.

Since the decision to implement this policy, the vibrant and dynamic ambiance of the event has been lacking.

The shift in atmosphere has led to a noticeable decline in the stadium’s vibrancy.

Passionate cheers now come only from the athletes and their respective contingents, leaving a significant void.

The absence of enthusiastic fans has made the environment feel less engaging and subdued.

Observations around the stadium confirm that no spectators are present in the vicinity.

Last night (Aug 21), Kamarul Ariffin, head of the technical delegate for the  SUKMA pencak silat, announced that all events at the Miri Indoor Stadium from today (Aug 22) until the end of the competition (Aug 23) will proceed without spectators.

The match between Sarawak’s Iman Syakilla Mahdi and the Federal Territories’ Nurin Alyaa’ Damia was halted at 4.46 pm yesterday by the referee when spectators threw a plastic bottle and cup into the arena as the fighters neared the end of their bout.

Athletes cheering on their competing counterparts.