The Kelantan government has denied that it opened the ring for women fighters for showcases and profit-making activities related to Muay Thai, a state executive councillor has said.

Exco for Youth, Sports and NGO Wan Roslan Wan Hamat stressed that the state remained serious in implementing sports in a manner which is syariah compliant.

“The state government has never opened a fighting ring for women for Muay Thai showcases and profit-making activities as claimed by the Kelantan Boxing Association (PSBNK) president (Mohd Fared Abdul Ghani),” he told reporters in Kota Bahru today.

Fared had last Thursday reportedly said that Kelantan is permitting female Muay Thai fighters to join state-level competitions for the first time.

The latter told national news agency Bernama: “In other countries, Muay Thai promises high earnings for women fighters. We hope that with this opportunity, state athletes can hone their talent.

“It also gives PSBNK a chance to activate talent among female fighters and fly the flag at bigger competitions.”

However, Wan Roslan said Fared’s statement could have been based on Kelantan’s participation in the 19th Malaysia Games (Sukma) last year, and this year’s Kelantan Sports Festival.

“It is unfair to say the decision was made based on that.

“Even so, all fights and shows must adhere to existing laws and rules,” he said.