Kuala lumpur: The Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576) is slated for amendment to incorporate measures on anti-doping and sports integrity, as announced by Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) secretary-general Datuk Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu. The proposed amendments aim to address corruption-related issues and are expected to be tabled next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Nagulendran shared these insights during a press conference following the ASEAN Sports Integrity and Anti-Doping Symposium 2025. This event took place today alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit, drawing participation from over 100 individuals from 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and others. The symposium forms part of the Youth and Sports Development programme under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.
In his address, Dr Nagulendran highlighted that issues concerning sports integrity transcend mere rule violations, as they could potentially undermine the core values and spirit of sportsmanship. He warned that breaches in integrity not only compromise fair play but also endanger athletes' health and tarnish global perceptions of sports. Therefore, establishing a 'clean sport' environment devoid of prohibited substances and methods is imperative.
During the press conference, Dr Nagulendran underscored Malaysia's dedication to fostering a transparent and ethical sporting environment through the forthcoming amendments. He cautioned athletes against consuming traditional 'ubat kuat' (performance-enhancing substances), which often contain banned steroids, as such consumption could lead to disqualification or permanent bans from major tournaments.
The symposium, according to Dr Nagulendran, serves as a crucial platform for providing guidelines, education, and awareness on maintaining integrity in sports, aligning with global anti-doping standards. He further noted that the ministry is intensifying efforts to bolster safe sports initiatives by tackling issues like sexual harassment, smoking, and vaping within KBS premises. The ministry aims to empower athletes by providing proper channels for them to voice their concerns, ensuring their protection within a secure sporting ecosystem.
The symposium also featured sessions on implementing the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards 2027, value-based education, match-fixing prevention, and sports governance. Participants included representatives from ASEAN member countries, federal and state agencies, international anti-doping bodies, and various sports associations.