SPORTS DEVELOPMENT ACT TO BE AMENDED TO STRENGTHEN SPORTS INTEGRITY – KBS SEC-GEN
LABUAN, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576) will be amended to include provisions on anti-doping and sports integrity, said Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) secretary-general Datuk Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu.
He said the proposed amendments are expected to be tabled next year to better address corruption-related issues as part of sports integrity drive.
He said this at a press conference after officiating at the ASEAN Sports Integrity and Anti-Doping Symposium 2025, held here today in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Over 100 people from 14 countries, namely Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, China, Nepal, Australia, Fiji and the Philippines, took part in the symposium, which is part of the Youth and Sports Development programme under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.
In his speech, Dr Nagulendran said issues related to sports integrity extend beyond violations of rules, as they could undermine the essence and spirit of sportsmanship.
“Integrity breaches not only compromise fair play but also pose risks to athletes’ health and damage global perceptions of sports.
“Therefore, it is crucial that the sports ecosystem be safeguarded through the creation of a ‘clean sport’ environment free from prohibited substances and methods,” he said.
Later at a press conference, he said the amendments reflect Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and ethical sporting environment.
Dr Nagulendran also reminded athletes to avoid consuming traditional “ubat kuat” (performance-enhancing substances) that are often marketed as these may contain banned steroids.
“Athletes must be cautious and responsible because taking such substances can lead to disqualification or permanent bans from major sporting tournaments,” he said.
He said the symposium serves as an important platform to provide guidelines, education and awareness on upholding integrity in sports, in line with global standards on anti-doping practices.
Dr Nagulendran also emphasised that the ministry is continuing to strengthen safe sports initiatives by addressing issues such as sexual harassment, smoking and vaping within KBS premises.
“We are paving the way for athletes to voice their concerns through proper channels, ensuring they are protected and empowered within a safe sporting ecosystem,” he said.
The symposium featured sharing sessions on the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards 2027, value-based education, match-fixing prevention and sports governance.
The participants include representatives from ASEAN member countries, federal and state agencies, the World Anti-Doping Agency, Japan Anti-Doping Agency, Korea Anti-Doping Agency, Sport Integrity Australia, Asian Football Confederation, Badminton World Federation, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, ASEAN Secretariat, Olympic Council of Malaysia, Paralympic Council of Malaysia, and various international and national sports associations.
-- BERNAMA
