Malaysia tightens oversight of combat sports amid safety concerns
The safety and integrity of unarmed combat sports in Malaysia are under scrutiny. The Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, has stepped in to ensure events are run safely. However, responsibility for reviewing the entire regulatory process remains unclear.
The Sports Commissioner (PJS) has been tasked with reviewing the regulatory mechanism for boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA. This will involve collecting data on tournaments, athlete numbers, injury rates, and health incidents to develop policies and guidelines.
Currently, organisers are prohibited from involving exponents under 15 in full-contact events without protective gear. The Malaysian Muaythai Association has also banned child exponents from professional events. However, youth participation is allowed in official tournaments organised by registered National Sports Associations or State Sports Associations.
The PJS's review aims to strengthen safety measures and maintain the integrity of unarmed combat sports. While organisers must adhere to age restrictions and protective gear rules, the responsibility for overseeing the entire regulatory process remains a topic of discussion.
