All sports coaches must undergo training on children's rights to receive licence, Suhakam proposes
18 Jan 2023 01:19pm
Suhakam chairman Prof Datuk Dr Rahmat Mohamad
Suhakam chairman Prof Datuk Dr Rahmat Mohamad in a statement today said as a signatory to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) it is the country's responsibility to ensure children's right to freely engage in play and recreational activities are recognised and respected.
This comes after a volleyball coach under-14 female volleyball team slapped two of his players.
He said Suhakam supports the measures taken by Youth and Sports and the Education Ministry to cancel the license of the coach. He also praised the Malaysian Volleyball Association (MAVA) to withdraw the Volleyball Coaching Certificate Level One (Specific Sports) of the coach.
Rahmat further said this is a firm signal to all sports coaches and teachers that the two ministries will not compromise on the safety and well-being of athletes, especially those involving child athletes.
"The decision is seen as a guarantee that children and teenagers will not be abused and degraded by any party when participating in sports, arts or cultural activities.
"If such incidents are not dealt with appropriately, it is feared that these children's emotions will be disturbed and they may feel afraid to play and participate in sports activities," he further said in a statement.
Suhakam has also urged parents and guardians to report any such cases of degrading students by coaches or sports teachers to the police or call Talian Kasih 15999 or Whatsapp 019-2615999 to address issues more proactively.
