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KUALA LUMPUR – The global women’s bodybuilding industry is huge, but not much has been seen in Malaysia due to cultural and religious reasons.
It is believed that up to 1988, women’s bodybuilding was active in Malaysia, but it remains unknown as to why the industry went mum beyond the 1980s.
However, it is understood that the reason could be because Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, and women’s bodybuilding competitions require athletes to be in a two-piece bikini to showcase their gains, which would expose a woman’s “aurat” – the parts of the body that must, according to Islam, be covered by clothing.
However, in December 2019, Bangladesh, a Muslim country, successfully held its first-ever women’s bodybuilding competition. Instead of having contestants dress in a two-piece bikini, they wore less revealing clothing like crop-tops and tights.
This brought up the question, if Bangladesh could do it, why not Malaysia?
When The Vibes contacted Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF) secretary-general Lt Commander Kamaruzaman Kadir, he clarified that women’s bodybuilding is not banned, but just not encouraged.
“We respect that our country is a Muslim country, and we do not want to expose the aurat. We do not hold local competitions for women because we do not want it to become an issue. So, we are just keeping it quiet. Athletes are still allowed to compete outside of the country.”
He said that organising a competition is not the issue, but getting past the religious authority and state governing body is.
“As a Muslim, I know my limitations. The association needs to be very careful as to not stir up any unwanted publicity. If I have to talk to the state government, I will also think twice as I do not want to get involved in the publicity. Even with our men’s bodybuilding in Malaysia, the aurat is still an issue, so women’s bodybuilding is still very sensitive.
“If the state government gives us a letter of approval to hold a women’s bodybuilding competition, we would gladly proceed.”
Without questioning the idea of our male Muslim bodybuilders exposing their aurat and its acceptance during a competition, are our women athletes still being well-supported in the midst of this?
As competing outside of the country requires major funding, Kamaruzaman said funding is indeed an issue as bodybuilding is not a mainstream sport in Malaysia.
“Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) is in agreement with MBBF that they will be able to support the athletes, but minimally.”
This means that MSN will sponsor athletes’ entry fee for a competition once a year, as well as their travelling costs. However, athletes will need to find their own sponsors during their preparation period, including for supplements, gym memberships, coaches and other training necessities.
While Kamaruzaman is indeed proud of our women bodybuilders who “go out to compete when they are ready, not just competing to compete”, one competition a year is insufficient exposure for our athletes.
Is this enough?
According to Kamaruzaman, the support shown towards our women bodybuilders has never fallen short.
“The association has always supported the girls. We will go out and celebrate their victories and nominate them for sportsman of the year. We are even open to writing letters to allow them to find their own sponsors, and even sign approval letters for them to go out and compete.
“OCM has even renewed our gym and given us RM10,000 to RM20,000 grants for the athletes. We just have our limitations and know not to push for too much. Even the women understand this.” – The Vibes, November 14, 2020
