KUALA LUMPUR – The Sports Commissioner’s Office has confirmed it is investigating potential misconduct related to the 2024 International Silambam Championship held in Sepang.
The probe follows claims from sources that the Malaysian Silambam Association (MSA) organised the event without securing the necessary approval from the International Silambam Federation (ISF), the sport’s global governing body.
Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias told Scoop that his office had initiated the investigation after receiving evidence related to the tournament.
“We have indeed received evidence concerning the organisation of the championship, and we are in the process of reviewing it.
“This information is new to us, as we had approved the tournament based on MSA meeting all required criteria.
“For the time being, we are unable to provide further comment as the investigation is ongoing,” Suhardi said when contacted.
He also urged MSA to clarify the situation with its affiliates and address the issue internally, as outlined under Section 23 of the Sports Development Act.
“We urge them to report back to us promptly. We will be meeting with MSA soon to share our findings based on the evidence gathered,” he added.
An insider claimed the championship, which received RM44,800 in funding from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), was not sanctioned by ISF and was allegedly conducted under its name without authorisation.
Scoop has seen alleged evidence suggesting that individuals within the current MSA leadership forged an official invitation letter to solicit participation from athletes in Portugal, falsely identifying the sender as the ISF secretary-general.
It was also reported that MSA charged international participants and officials USD250 (approximately RM1,064), while Malaysian participants were charged between RM350 and RM400.
One alleged document viewed by Scoop showed that some receipts issued to participants lacked an official letterhead.
ISF is also believed to have lodged a police report in India, served a legal notice on MSA demanding USD16,000 (RM69,700) for the alleged misuse of its name, and contacted KBS urging action to be taken against the Malaysian body.
“The tournament was fraudulent, and we are baffled as to why KBS approved funding without verifying the event with ISF,” the source said.
“Multiple pieces of evidence have been provided, yet no action has been taken so far.
“Six of the twelve silambam state associations under MSA are seeking answers — they want this issue resolved.
“Organising a tournament without international sanction and profiting from it is a serious violation.
“There is hope that KBS, the Sports Commissioner, and other relevant authorities will treat this matter with urgency and transparency, and hold those responsible to account for undermining the integrity of the sport.”
It was reported that athletes from several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, took part in the tournament, with 250 participants coming from Malaysia alone.
Scoop has reached out to both ISF and MSA for comments and will publish their responses in a follow-up report. — June 6, 2025