MIXED Martial Arts (MMA) has enjoyed a steady growth in popularity in Malaysia over the past decade but much of the progress achieved in the sport could be undone by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many MMA-oriented gyms in Malaysia, who form the backbone of the sport here, could find themselves closing shop after being unable to operate during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Malaysian Mixed Martial Arts Association (MASMMAA) president Rashid Salleh said though some have resorted to conducting online classes, the revenue generated is not enough for them to cover their fixed expenses.
"At the moment, there are more than 20 specialised MMA gyms in Malaysia but the number is much higher if you count gyms that include MMA among their various martial arts programmes," said Rashid yesterday.
"We often communicate with the gyms and discuss their problems. And we also try to come up with solutions.
"Some of them have started online classes to generate income but it does not match what they would normally make.
"Some gyms even accept as low as five ringgit per person, per class (for online lessons).
"One of the main problems they are facing is paying rent, as most of them do not own the premises they operate on.
"There has been a show of goodwill from some of the landlords who have allowed a number of the gyms to defer their rent payments but only a small number do so.
"We are trying our best to advise them (gyms) on how to negotiate with their landlords.
"Our (MASMMAA) secretary Brent Yap is a lawyer who deals with real estate, so he is able to give good advice."
While the government has introduced a six-month bank loan repayment moratorium to ease the burden of individuals and businesses, Malaysia lacks an eviction moratorium which protects renters such as that enforced in Australia.
Rashid added that MASMMA are also planning to conduct an online competition and charity fund to help those in need.
"We haven't decided on the format of the online competition yet but we will make it a simple format so everyone is able to join.
"The funds from the charity will be channeled to people in the MMA community who are in need of help.
"There are already a number of general (Covid-related) charities out there, and anyway they say 'charity starts at home'."
MASSA have also been conducting regular live stream discussions on social media featuring Rashid and other prominent local and international MMA figures including fighters Colleen Augustin, Ann Osman, ring announcer Ricky Wright, Bahrain MMA Federation president Mohammed Qamber and International Mixed Martial Arts Federation president Kerrith Bown.