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‘More Safe Sport Code officers needed as abuse cases rise in Malaysian sports’ | Scoop
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh launched the Safe Sport Code in March 2023 to protect athletes from abuse and misconduct. — Majlis Sukan Negara pic, March 18, 2025
Sports

‘More Safe Sport Code officers needed as abuse cases rise in Malaysian sports’

Sports analysts warn national sports associations aren’t doing enough to enforce the Safe Sport Code

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
2:59 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — More Safe Sport Code safeguarding officers are needed within national sports associations (NSAs) to curb the rising number of misconduct cases, says sports analyst and Safe Sport Malaysia secretary-general Christopher Raj.

His comments follow the Youth and Sports Ministry’s (KBS) recent revelation that 27 complaints were lodged between 2023 and 2024 regarding various issues within Malaysia’s national sports industry. 

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh noted that 11 cases remain active, with the highest number involving sexual abuse (four cases), mental abuse (two), physical abuse (two), and neglect (three cases). 

Meanwhile, 16 cases have been resolved, including instances of sexual abuse (two cases), mental abuse (three), physical abuse (two), bullying (four), threats (two), sexual harassment (two), and neglect (one case).

Speaking to Scoop, Christopher said that misconduct in the sports scene can only be addressed if all NSAs recognise the importance of the Safe Sport Code and fully implement it. 

For the record, the Safe Sport Code was introduced by KBS in 2023 as a guideline for all sports communities, outlining safe sports practices and the responsibilities involved in conducting sports activities, particularly those involving child athletes. 

The Code, which includes a Code of Conduct, is also used to handle complaints of sexual harassment within the sports industry.

“We need to approach this issue from all perspectives. Personally, I believe NSAs are not doing enough to raise awareness or ensure there are dedicated officials to manage matters related to the Safe Sport Code.

“While these roles may exist at the ministry level, when we examine the root causes of the rising number of misconduct cases, they often stem from the sports associations themselves. 

“It is high time for NSAs to appoint specialised officers to tackle such issues effectively, as not all of them are doing so.

“For instance, if we look at major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and other prestigious international competitions, they have designated Safe Sport officers for the entire event and for individual teams. Unfortunately, in our country, such officers are still limited at sporting events. 

“This situation needs to change. KBS, together with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), must work together to educate NSAs on the importance of appointing these officers, preventing misconduct based on the guidelines, and ensuring compliance,” Christopher said when contacted.

Meanwhile, fellow sports analyst Sadek Mustaffa said the current Safe Sport Code must be reassessed and updated to enhance its effectiveness.

“The government must determine whether the existing Safe Sport Code is truly effective. Despite its implementation, misconduct cases continue to rise, and we have yet to see significant resolutions. 

“A new, stricter set of regulations is needed—one that goes beyond the current framework and adopts a more comprehensive approach. Most importantly, those overseeing the Safe Sport Code at the ministry level must be more vocal and proactive, as some recent misconduct cases have not been followed up appropriately. 

“Therefore, all stakeholders must come together to ensure the effectiveness of the Code. There is no point in having such a policy in place if cases continue to rise unchecked,” said the senior sports science lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara. — March 18, 2025

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