KBS To Strengthen Agencies In Preparation For Using World Anti-Doping Code At 2027 SEA Games

KUALA TERENGGANU, April 18 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is strengthening the agencies under its purview, especially the Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (ADAMAS), in preparation for Malaysia hosting the 2027 SEA Games, the first that will implement the World Anti-Doping Code.

Its minister, Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said that among the initiatives to be undertaken is a tour programme with ADAMAS to provide explanations and clarifications to sports associations, among other things, to ensure that the country's athletes do not unintentionally get involved in doping cases.

"Next year, we will be the host (SEA Games) so we want the best. Not only achieving the target of many medals, but most importantly, the implementation of the sports must be clean and safe," he said.

Mohammed Taufiq said this to reporters after officiating the launching ceremony of 'Fiesta Rakan Muda X Play True Day Peringkat Terengganu 2026' and Kompleks Sukan Air Terengganu at the water sports complex here today.

Previously, Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria had said that the strategic measures driven by Malaysia would ensure that the 2027 SEA Games fully complies with the World Anti-Doping Agency, thereby enhancing the integrity and standing of the event on the international stage.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Taufiq said Malaysia is fully prepared to host the 34th edition of the event, especially in terms of infrastructure.

He said the government would make savings as best as possible and would not spend excessively on organising the event, but the quality of the athletes and the sports contested would never be neglected.

We will not be making mega purchases. There will be no spending on major developments. We are just doing a little bit of upgrading. Regarding the infrastructure, all our infrastructure is sufficient, and we are ready to host the 2027 SEA Games," he said.

Earlier in his speech, Mohammed Taufiq said that the development of the Kompleks Sukan Air Terengganu on Pulau Duyong here, covering an area of 60,000 square feet, is a landmark that will enhance the development of water sports in a more organised and impactful manner in Terengganu.

It is the first complex of its kind in Terengganu and it also demonstrates the MADANI government's commitment to youth development in the state.

Also present at the event was State Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim.

--BERNAMA