SPORTS coaches and teachers should be required to take human rights and children’s rights courses as part of their qualification, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said. 

Chairman Rahmat Mohamad said that as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is the responsibility of the country to ensure the right of children to participate freely in games and recreational activities is recognised and respected.

Rahman was commenting about a volleyball coach caught slapping two teenage athletes in a video that was posted on social media recently. 

“If such incidents are not dealt with appropriately, there is a danger these children will become disturbed emotionally and afraid to take part in sports,” he said in a statement. 

Last week, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the Malaysian Volleyball Association (Mava) has revoked the coach’s licence, following its investigation and another by the National Sports Council.

The coach, Saiful Hadee Amar, 44, was caught on video slapping two teenage female players at a tournament in Johor. He has since issued a public apology.

Rahmat said Suhakam supports the ban, adding that it is a firm signal to all coaches and sports teachers that there will be no compromise on the safety and well-being of athletes, especially children.

“This decision is also seen as a guarantee that children will not be abused and degraded by anyone when taking part in sports, arts or cultural activities.” – January 18, 2023.