KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Malaysian reporters covering the SEA Games in Singapore will only need permission from team officials to gain access to the contingent during training.

This comes following claims by reporters of being turned away and told their accreditation cards do not grant entry into training venues, as they would need to make special requests to the organising committee (SINGSOC) to cover training grounds.

“The regulations handed out to the press will not apply anymore. All they (reporters) need is to get the approval of the team officials,” said chef de mission Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria.

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The matter was brought up at the chef de missions’ meeting, which my deputies Peter Chee and Dr S. Shamala attended. I hope everything will be smooth from hence forth.”

The regulations called for requests to be made 24 hours before the desired training ground interview, only conduct the requested interview and avoid filming other contingents in the area.

Reporters in Singapore claimed the regulations were never brought to their attention, nor highlighted during last month’s Sportswriters Association of Malaysia’s (SAM) visit to the organisers and facilities.

Even SAM president Ahmad Khawari Isa blasted the organisers for the regulations, saying: “They (regulations) were detrimental to our coverage.”

Norza also clarified reports of reporters being barred from speaking to shooters during training by team manager Muzli Mustakim .

“I’ve always encouraged an open policy to get the news out. It’s promotes publicity. But at the same time, Muzli had his reason. He wanted the athletes focused,” said Norza.

“Yet, I feel it’s important to have good relations with the press. In a way, the athletes gain experience from dealing with reporters.”