T'ganu divers: Ministry wants women in sports but states have final say

The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry is determined to encourage the participation of female athletes but acknowledged state governments may have the final say.

Speaking to the media today, its minister Nancy Shukri highlighted that the ministry’s initiatives aimed to empower women, children, and disabled individuals to participate in sports.

“What happened with the Terengganu (divers) has already been decided, but on our part, the ministry will continue to encourage the public, specifically our targeted groups, to participate in healthy activities. Especially in swimming.

“It might not be healthy for me to comment further on the Terengganu (divers) as the issue has been resolved.

“Let it serve as a reference for the future,” she said during the launch of the Community-Based Organisation (CBO) Directory in Kuala Lumpur today.

However, she did not elaborate on how the ministry will encourage women to participate in sports.

At the Sukma Games in Sarawak last month, Terengganu divers Uzlifatil Jannah Ashraf and Ilyssa Ixora Imran won bronze medals despite restrictions by their home state barring Muslim women from sports with non-syariah-compliant attire.

Their participation prompted an investigation by the Terengganu state executive councillor in charge of sports.

This led to an apology by the Terengganu Amateur Swimming Association, which partially funded the divers, for not adhering to the state’s dress code and not getting the state’s approval to contest.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh then raised concern about the situation, and her ministry decided to take both divers under its wing.

Nancy further said that while state governments have their own opinions and rights regarding such matters, her ministry will continue to protect and encourage women.

CBO directory to address social issues

Separately, Nancy highlighted that social media and environmental factors contributed to children’s issues.

“Depending on their environment, challenges like crime can affect the community, especially children. That’s why we need the local community to be our eyes and ears to assist us because we can’t do it alone,” she said.

She referred to the CBO Directory as an initiative by the ministry to strengthen the knowledge and skills of CBO members.

Nancy said these members serve as strategic partners to help the ministry support vulnerable groups, including children, disabled individuals, the elderly, and victims of domestic violence.

On another matter, she shared that her ministry has a lengthy wish list for the upcoming national budget, including training centres for parents with autistic children.

She mentioned that during a recent meeting with stakeholders, the ministry discovered that many still need assistance from the Welfare Department.

“Just recently, we learned about the Malaysia Rare Disorders Society. It never occurred to our ministry to include their needs in our wish list.

“We’ve also requested a budget to assist unemployed single mothers who can’t afford to go to court.

“We have our wish list, but we’re not sure if they (Finance Ministry) will approve it all,” she concluded.

The upcoming budget will be announced next month, with Parliament set to convene on Oct 14.

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