KUALA LUMPUR: Sports bodies used for purposes harmful to national security, public order or morality can be declared unlawful by the minister and struck off immediately under amendments to the Sports Development Act 1997 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 5).
The Sports Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 also sets up a new enforcement and investigation regime, giving ministry-appointed enforcement officers and police the power to record statements and seize documents from sports bodies.
Under the new Section 41A, the minister may issue the declaration through a gazetted order after consulting the Sports Commissioner.
The order would cancel the body's registration with immediate effect.
The Bill also requires registered sports bodies to get the Commissioner's approval before changing their name or registered address, or amending their constitution or rules.
Those that fail to do so face a fine of up to RM5,000.
The Commissioner will also be able to direct a sports body to amend its constitution within a set time, after hearing its representations, if the Commissioner finds it necessary.
When a body is deregistered, its property will vest in the Director-General of Insolvency, who will wind up its affairs and settle its debts.
Surplus assets may be paid into the Consolidated Fund on the minister's direction if the registration was cancelled by the Commissioner or under a Section 41A order.
Current and former office bearers, members and employees can be compelled to hand over information on the body's accounts and affairs.
Those who fail to comply face a fine of up to RM10,000, up to five years' jail, or both.
A new body formed to replace a deregistered one may apply to take over its assets and liabilities through a High Court order, provided a majority of the old members have joined it, and it undertakes to assume the debts.
Under the new enforcement provisions, officers may obtain a Magistrate's warrant to enter premises by force if necessary, and detain anyone inside until the search is completed.
Statements recorded and documents seized will be admissible as evidence in court.
No prosecution under the Act can begin without the written consent of the Public Prosecutor.
Members who steal or misappropriate a sports body's funds can be prosecuted as though they were not members.
The Bill also allows the public to inspect documents filed with the Commissioner for a fee, but applicants must state their purpose and the Commissioner must be satisfied that it is lawful.
The minister will also be empowered to make regulations on Malaysia's international anti-doping obligations and on matters related to safe sport.
The Bill states that the amendments will involve additional government expenditure, the amount of which cannot yet be determined.
The Bill was tabled to the Dewan Rakyat by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari on Monday (Oct 5).
