SEREMBAN, Oct 19 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) remains proactive in ensuring school athletes’ safety via the Safe Sports Code among coaches and students, said its deputy minister Lim Hui Ying.
The code’s application, in line with its aim to create a safe ecosystem for children to play sports and be protected, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual grooming, and will apply to all types of sports tournaments on the MOE level.
“As announced during the launch of the 2023 Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) Tournament Calendar on February 15, the Safe Sports Code will also be used in this year’s MSSM competition, and we have always worked closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS).
“This is because we want school children to be safe and healthy, not only in school but also during sports. Their parents send them here because of their talent, so we are responsible for ensuring their safety comes first,” she said after closing the 63rd MSSM Athletics Championships today.
The Safe Sports Code, introduced by KBS, is a guide and reference for all sports communities regarding the scope of safe sports and responsibilities in implementing sports activities, especially involving child athletes.
Lim said sport also functions as an agent of unity, involving all races to foster student unity.
In the meantime, via close cooperation with the National Sports Council (NSC), the National Sports Institute (ISN), and the national sports associations, opportunities for students to continue to shine in the sports arena are expanding from the school level to the international stage.
Starting with the training and guidance provided by certified high-performance coaches at 612 training centres nationwide, students can continue training at 15 state sports schools and five Malaysian sports schools and then follow the National Back-up Programme and the Podium Programme under NSC’s management.
“Most recently, the MOE, in collaboration with KBS and the Ministry of Higher Education under the High-Level Committee (HLC), will focus and prioritise the three main sports, namely athletics, swimming, and combat sports,” she said.
In the MSSM championships, Johor was crowned overall champion, with its athlete Muhammad Hazriq Cik Mat Kilau and Terengganu’s Izzatul Musfirah Ahmad Kamal Azira picked as the Best Athletes.
The five-day track and field meet, which ended today, was participated by 1,300 students nationwide.
— Bernama
