Ministry hopes for quick completion of probe on footballer attacks

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes investigations into the recent attacks on three footballers can be completed as soon as possible.

She said the Youth and Sports Ministry is fully dependent on the results of the police investigation, especially in identifying the motives behind the incidents, to ensure the safety of the country’s athletes.

“It’s not for the Youth and Sports Ministry to determine what kind of case this is because the investigation is not conducted by the ministry.

“We are fully dependent on the police and, in an effort to protect the athletes, who are national assets, I ask the inspector-general of police to ensure investigations proceed swiftly.

“This is so that we can take immediate action because I believe many are waiting for the results of the investigations,” she told reporters during a working visit to observe the upgrading project of the Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium in Kangar, Perlis, today.

She was asked if the ministry has met with sports associations to discuss athlete safety, especially those who will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Yeoh said the ministry introduced the Safe Sport Code last year, which serves as a guideline for creating a safe sports environment and the responsibilities of all parties to address harassment and abuse in sports.

“But on the issue of ensuring safety, guaranteeing safety is the responsibility of the police. That’s why we ask for the cooperation of the Home Ministry to ensure our athletes are well protected.

“We also want to ensure that sports associations take care of their athletes. As for athletes who will be competing, for example in football, I know that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have asked them to tighten security,” she said.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said the stadium upgrading project, costing RM7.63 million, has been fully completed.

“So, I hope that with facilities like this, specifically for track events… (it is) in line with the federal government’s aim for us to focus on three types of sports - athletics, swimming, and combat sports.

“With this athletics track, I hope Perlis athletes will make good use of the facility,” she said.

- Bernama

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