Malaysia to amend Sports Development Act 1997 with anti-doping and sports integrity provisions, expected to be tabled next year.
LABUAN: The Sports Development Act 1997 will be amended to include provisions on anti-doping and sports integrity.
Youth and Sports Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu said the proposed amendments are expected to be tabled next year to better address corruption-related issues.
He announced this at a press conference after officiating the ASEAN Sports Integrity and Anti-Doping Symposium 2025, held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Over 100 people from 14 countries participated in the symposium, which is part of the Youth and Sports Development programme under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.
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Dr Nagulendran stated that issues related to sports integrity extend beyond violations of rules and could undermine the essence of sportsmanship.
“Integrity breaches not only compromise fair play but also pose risks to athletes’ health and damage global perceptions of sports,” he said in his speech.
He emphasised the crucial need to safeguard the sports ecosystem through the creation of a ‘clean sport’ environment free from prohibited substances and methods.
At the 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 performance-enhancing substances that 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 highlighted that the symposium serves as an important platform to provide guidelines, education and awareness on upholding integrity in sports.
The event aligns with global standards on anti-doping practices and features sharing sessions on the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code.
Sessions also covered value-based education, match-fixing prevention and sports governance.
Dr Nagulendran emphasised that the ministry is continuing to strengthen safe sports initiatives by addressing issues such as sexual harassment, smoking and vaping within its 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.
Participants included representatives from ASEAN member countries, federal and state agencies, and various international anti-doping and sports organisations.
The World Anti-Doping Agency, Japan Anti-Doping Agency, Korea Anti-Doping Agency and Sport Integrity Australia were among the international bodies present.
Other participants came from the Asian Football Confederation, Badminton World Federation, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and ASEAN Secretariat.
National bodies such as the Olympic Council of Malaysia and Paralympic Council of Malaysia also attended the symposium. – Bernama
