KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry will meet with the parents of the underaged volleyball players slapped by their coach during a youth volleyball championship in Johor last month.
In a statement, the ministry assured that it takes the matter seriously, and a meeting with the athletes’ parents will be held to obtain further information on the incident.
“The ministry will cooperate with the authorities if a police report is made on the incident.
“The ministry will also conduct its own investigation into the matter for disciplinary purposes. If anyone is found guilty, appropriate action will be taken,” it said.
Yesterday, The Vibes reported that two girls from the Melaka U-14 volleyball team were slapped by their coach during the 2022 Malaysia Youth U-14 Volleyball Championship held in Johor.
The incident happened during the third- and fourth-placing match between Melaka and Johor, when the coach assaulted the two players after they conceded a point to the opposite team.
The issue gained the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who condemned the coach’s actions.
In a tweet, Yeoh tagged Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, saying that they have spoken about the matter and are gathering more relevant information on the issue.
Meanwhile, Yeoh’s predecessor in the ministry, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, also reacted to the incident on Twitter, saying there is “no space in sports or life for this kind of abusive behaviour”.
The Malaysia Volleyball Association chimed in, stating that the coach has been temporarily suspended from any further involvement in the sport. – The Vibes, January 2, 2022
