PETALING JAYA — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has warned that more cases of sexual misconduct in Malaysian sport are likely to surface in the coming months, but says this should be viewed as a sign of progress, not panic.
Speaking after the Sportwriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) Awards here today, Hannah said the introduction of the Safe Sport Code and growing public awareness are helping to break the long-standing silence surrounding abuse in the athletic community.
“We’ve started seeing more reports, and I believe more will follow,” she told reporters. “That is a good development. These kinds of cases can no longer be swept under the rug.”
Her remarks come in the wake of charges filed against former national cyclist and coach Nor Effandy Rosli, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old trainee during a private coaching stint.
His coaching licence has since been suspended by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), which clarified that he was not part of the national or state setup at the time of the alleged offence.
Hannah made it clear: while every allegation must undergo proper investigation and legal due process, the days of protecting abusers within the system are over.
“If there’s no case, there’ll be no charges. But if there is, let justice take its course,” she said.
She also reminded that those who falsely accuse others or act in bad faith can be held liable.
“The person who is accused has every right to take legal action if their reputation is unfairly tarnished.”
The Safe Sport Code, launched in 2023, outlines clear protocols for reporting misconduct and guarantees whistleblower protection. It aims to create a safer environment for athletes at all levels, particularly children and young people, who are often the most vulnerable.
Hannah also announced that the ministry is working with the National Sports Institute (ISN) to roll out a national registry of certified coaches, allowing parents to verify if a coach has undergone the necessary vetting and holds valid credentials to train youth athletes.
“With tax deductions now available for sports training, we expect more parents to send their children to coaches. We must ensure a safe environment,” she said.
“That’s why ISN is looking into a certification mechanism, and we’ll make public the names of accredited coaches.”
The move is seen as a direct response to concerns that private sports coaching—often conducted without oversight—can be a blind spot when it comes to safeguarding young athletes.
Hannah urged any victims who have experienced abuse in sport to speak up and make reports either through the Safe Sport Committee or the police. — July 14, 2025