It’s sibutramine, again

Asum confirm banned substance used, individuals in rape case kicked out

PETALING JAYA: Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) have revealed that their diver tested positive for sibutramine at the recent KL SEA Games.

Yesterday’s confirmation has raised hopes that the diver, if found guilty of doping, may receive a lighter penalty – ranging from a few months to a maximum of two years.

Sibutramine is often used in weight loss products as it suppresses appetite effectively but has been banned from the United States market since 2010.

However, it is not a performance-enhancing substance and the absence of intention will be a mitigating factor.

Asum president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said yesterday that the diver had requested for her B sample to be tested.

Under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) new rules, which came into effect in 2015, drug cheats in sport face a minimum of four years’ ban – but with exceptions.

Thailand badminton player Sudsaifon Yodpa is banned for two years until the end of this year after testing positive for sibutramine.

National wushu exponent Tai Cheau Xuen (pic) was forced to return the gold medal won at the Incheon Asian Games in 2014 after testing positive for sibutramine. She was banned four months following an appeal.

“The Asum disciplinary panel met today to discuss two recent cases. The first is the doping case involving an Asum athlete, who competed at the KL SEA Games recently.

“The athlete has requested for the B sample to be tested. Until the result is known, and the SEA Games Federation make a decision, the identity of the athlete will not be revealed and Asum will not make any decision.

“The second case is on the sexual violation regarding a national coach and one of our divers.

“We cannot comment further as it is under police investigations. We support the statement made by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (on Thurday) to give our full cooperation to police.

“The coach and the diver concerned have also been taken out of the national programme.

“The NSC have also suspended the coach until investigations are over,” he said.

Shahidan also said that Asum supported the decision of the Youth and Sports Ministry to form a task force to study sexual harassment and the psychology of athletes under the high performance sports programme.

The task force will be led by Kuala Lumpur SEA Games chef de mission Datuk Marina Chin.