KUALA LUMPUR – Tenpin bowling queen Shalin Zulkifli claimed that she never heard anything from Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi pertaining to sexual harassment prior to her former teammate’s recent allegations.
Speaking with The Vibes, the ex-world champion said that if what Syaidaitul claims is true, the latter had never approached her in the past to discuss the issue.
“Syaidatul had never come to me or said anything about it before so I’m quite surprised to hear about it,” she said.
Shalin further added that being a senior in the team, she was close to all her teammates, which included Syaidatul as well, and whenever they needed her, she would help them deal with their issues.
“As far as I know, bowling coaches have always respected the players’ boundaries, and it’s not like any other sports that would involve close physical contact,” Shalin said.
Two months ago, former tenpin bowler Syaidatul took to social media with a cryptic suggestion that she had fallen victim to the same ghastly act that has plagued aquatic athletes Cindy Ong and Datuk Pandelela Rinong.
Although Syaidatul’s Instagram post did suggest that the 31-year-old former national athlete was a victim of sexual harassment like to her counterparts, she indicated that her perpetrator was not her coach but someone far more unscrupulous.
Attempts by The Vibes to reach Syaidatul were futile as she has not responded to any calls or WhatsApp messages on the matter. – The Vibes, January 24, 2022