THE Education Ministry’s disciplinary and integrity unit is now handling the case of a volleyball coach who slapped two teenage girls during an under-14 tournament in Malacca last year, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said today.

According to the minister, she was awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the unit.

“We have completed a probe into the incident and the matter has been brought to the knowledge of the disciplinary and integrity unit.

“So, we are awaiting the outcome of that investigation.

“The process is very important in this case,” she was quoted as telling reporters in Penang today.

Fadhlina said there was room for justice for all and the coach can give his side of the story to the unit.

Though the coach had apologised for his actions and one of the parents had forgiven him, the have Education Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry pressed ahead with separate investigations.

Youth And Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed her ministry will conduct an independent investigation.

“The parents and state exco have spoken but the ministry will continue its independent investigation because this is not about one coach or two players, but a precedent we are setting for the next generation in sports.

“Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and I are on this together,” Yeoh tweeted last week.

In a video clip uploaded to social media, the coach is seen slapping two female players during the 2022 Malaysia Youth U14 Volleyball Championship in Johor last month.

The Malaysia Volleyball Association (Mava) said the volleyball coach in question has been suspended from involvement in all national volleyball activities until investigations are completed.

Mava also announced that it would establish an investigative body to look into the incident immediately and would contact related parties for that purpose.

“Mava will not tolerate any use of force on any party and is ready to take further action in accordance with our constitution,” the association said in a statement today. – January 8, 2023.