Safe Sport Code now in effect, says Hannah Yeoh

PUTRAJAYA – Today marked a significant milestone for the sports fraternity as various stakeholders pledged their support towards the Safe Sport Code (SSC), which was launched by the Youth and Sports Ministry.

A total of 31 sports bodies and 16 departments and agencies under the ministry were present to sign a certificate of support for the SSC.

Its minister Hannah Yeoh said, the SSC has been included in the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576), which was recently amended.

As such, all sports stakeholders are obliged to follow the ruling.

“We will start our briefing with the National Sports Council where all athletes will be given a briefing on the code, so they know what their rights are to train in a healthy and safe environment.

“Next, we will brief other ministries about the code,” she said.

Yeoh was met at the launching of SSC, here, which was also attended by her deputy Adam Adli Abdul Halim, secretary-general K. Nagulendran as well as Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin.

The Segambut MP, however, noted that it is not required for all sports stakeholders to sign the certificate of support for SSC.

“We have amended the Second and Third Schedules of the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576) which came into force on March 10.

“A few days ago, the act amendment for the Second and Third Schedules was applied, which developed the safe sport policy in the respective sports ecosystem.

“Those who signed the code showed more commitment that they abide by it. For those who do not sign, they are still subjected to the Sports Development Act and every sports association must promote the SSC,” she added.

Meanwhile, Yeoh highlighted that the code also involves the grassroots level as well as anyone that organises a sporting event including business entities.

“Athletes are not the only eligible complainants. For example, the PCM president could also complain, as well as anyone who comes in contact with sports.

“Today, the Stadium Corporation Malaysia also signed it (the certificate of support). This means people who buy tickets to football matches at the stadium have the right, as sports spectators, to a safe sports environment.”

Yeoh explained that the creation of an exclusive act for safe sport would not be relevant now due to various existing applicable laws, such as the Penal Code.

As the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill was only passed in Parliament last year, she said it would only be fair to give the act “a chance to run its course”.

“The work and draft of the SSC had already started before I reported for duty as a minister.

“Moving forward we will continuously talk to our stakeholders to see the types of reports lodged and we will have regular meetings to coordinate and ensure every party is on the same page.”

Meanwhile, Yeoh also announced the appointment of former deputy public prosecutor Melissa Akhtar as the SSC safeguarding officer.

She said Melissa is most suitable for the role following her experience as a lawyer as well as a consultant in gender and children’s rights.

She also assisted in the drafting of laws such as the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act, Domestic Violence Act, Penal Code, Evidence Act Amendment, the Child Witness Evidence Act, and Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill.

“My duty is handling complaints from athletes or any sportsperson and determining which law is appropriate to use so we make it easy for victims to come forward, even anonymously.

“Not all cases could go into the criminal court as some may need disciplinary action. If there is a criminal element, we will refer the case to the police.

“If there is evidence of who we think has a reasonable cause that has faced a form of violence or abuse of a child, then the child does not need to file a report as the case will automatically be referred to the Child Act.

“Anyone involved in any sports activities can come to me regarding their complaint.

“This move is important because we need to cultivate a safe attitude toward sports,” Melissa explained.

Safe sport, as highlighted by the International Olympic Council, is an environment where athletes can train and compete in healthy and supportive surroundings.

It is also an environment which is respectful, equitable, and free from all forms of harassment and abuse. – The Vibes, March 15, 2023