THE volleyball coach who slapped two teenage athletes has been banned from coaching, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

She said that the Malaysian Volleyball Association has revoked the coach’s license.

Yeoh in a statement said the National Sports Council and Mava had concluded their investigations and had unanimously decided that the coach should lose his eligibility to coach.

The coach, Saiful Hadee Amar, 44, was caught on video slapping two teenage female players at a tournament in Johor. He has since apologised publicly for his action.

Saiful said he regretted his behaviour and was willing to face any sanction over the December 16 incident.

Previously Yeoh and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that there will be no compromise when it comes to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of athletes.

This, they said, was important for the younger generation as any harm inflicted on them could jeopardise their future. 

Following the incident, the Education Ministry said it will work closely with the National Sports Institute to equip coaches at schools with the required certification.

This, they said, was to ensure an environment that is safe, healthy, mutually respectful, and free from any form of harassment and abuse. 

The Youth and Sports Ministry has also directed the National Coaching Academy and the National Sports Institute to strengthen regulations.

This will ensure coaches renew their National Coaching Certification Scheme certification every two years to ensure that all national coaches are monitored throughout their coaching careers. –  January 12, 2023.