KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian athletes are not affected by the food shortage at the Olympic Games Village in Paris.
Several media outlets have reported a lack of sufficient food, specifically eggs and grilled meats, at the village, which has already stirred controversy over the uncomfortable cardboard beds.
The British Olympic Association reportedly hired caterers to provide nutritious food at its performance lodge in Clichy, with athletes travelling there to eat and train instead of dining at the Olympic Village.
According to the BBCDaily Mail, several athletes have complained about a shortage of food at the Olympic Village in Paris.
Athletes have said the amount of food available, specifically eggs and grilled meats, is insufficient, according to the French newspaper L'Équipe.
However, Chef de Mission Datuk Hamidin Amin, who is staying at the Olympic Village, said he is regularly in touch with the Malaysian athletes and they have no issues with food.
"Everything is going smoothly at the Olympic Village, the food is good. There are many options and halal food is available," Hamidin told Timesport.
"We have no complaints, especially regarding the food for athletes."
Hamidin added that the national athletes also have additional food options thanks to the Malaysia House set up under the Road To Gold (RTG) programme.
The Malaysia House, established at a hotel in the French capital, offers various support services for athletes, including masseuses, physiotherapists, psychologists, Malaysian food, and nutritionists.
"We also have additional options thanks to the RTG from the Malaysia House... so far we don't have any problems with food," he added.
According to the BBC, the Olympic Village will serve approximately 13 million meals during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The dining area has five different halls for global cuisine, halal food, Asian meals, and French food. About 40,000 meals are prepared each day, and the main restaurant has 3,300 seats.
Caterers have blamed supply problems for the low standard of the food.
However, they have increased the daily order of several of the most popular items after receiving complaints.