PABM confirms two weightlifters tested positive for doping, suspended

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Sept -- The Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (PABM) has confirmed that the two national athletes reported to have tested positive for using banned substances are its weightlifters.

Its president, Datuk Ayub Rahmat said both of them have been suspended from all activities, training and Malaysian weightlifting events pending the hearing process and outcome. 

He also said that PABM will extend its full cooperation to the hearing panel and to the Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) in the investigations.

“There will no compromise with any athlete, coaches or officials involved in doping. The act of taking illegal substances will definitely create unhealthy competition which will eventually tarnish the image of the  sport.

“PABM will also take additional action regarding this issue after the results of  the full hearing and investigation are received,” he said in a statement today.

Ayub said the federation would continue to work together with Adamas in conducting talks, workshops, courses and creating awareness related to to anti-doping to all athletes, coaches and officials.

Recently, Adamas director Azura Abidin said two national athletes who were undergoing training at the National Sports Council, (MSN) tested positive for using banned substances in a test conducted last June. She did not disclose which sport was involved.

Azura also confirmed that both athletes had not asked for their ‘B’ samples to be tested and that the case was still at  the decision management process at the Adamas level. 

“We are under obligation carry out our responsibility confidentially without any interference,” she had said.

This is not the first time that the weightlifting sport has been in doping controversies as PABM was suspended for one year from April 1, 2020 from taking part in any International Weightlifting Federation, (IWF) activities. Its athletes were also barred from participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics because of the doping issue.

PABM was also fined US$25,600 (approximately RM110,000) in 2019 because of doping involving four national athletes.

In 2018, PABM also suspended Commonweatlh Games 2014 gold medal winner Mohd Hafifi Mansor for three years for doping while four-year suspensions were meted out to Mohamad Fazrul Azrie Mohdad, Muhammad Hakimie Haikal Nordin, Muhammad Zaidi Nordin and Ronny Jesus also for doping offences.

-- BERNAMA