Athlete tests positive for banned substance at MAF meet

PETALING JAYA: The local sporting scene has been embroiled in doping controversy again after an athlete has tested positive for the banned substance sibutramine during the Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) Track and Field Championships in Bukit Jalil in February.

This was confirmed by the Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) yesterday.

Adamas did not reveal the name of the athlete, but it is learnt that it’s a woman high jumper who did not compete at the Cambodia SEA Games.

Adamas had stated that the athlete’s sample that was tested at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited lab in Doha, returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) result.

“Confirmation of the result was received from the anti-doping laboratory in Doha with the discovery of prohibited substances in the samples, which is in the class S.6 stimulants - sibutramine,” stated Adamas.

Sibutramine is in the list of substances prohibited for use during competitions by WADA. It is commonly used in weight loss products and in slimming pills which are available in the market, and there were previous cases of a few Malaysians who had tested positive for this substance.

Diver Wendy Ng (2017 SEA Games), wushu exponent Tai Cheau Xuen (2014 Asian Games) and former hockey goalkeeper S. Kumar (2017 Asia Cup) had tested positive for sibutramine.

Adamas said the athlete involved would be given the opportunity to enter her defence and provide the evidence to support it during the hearing of the case.

“The athlete will be temporarily suspended from competing in any tournaments until the result of the hearing process is announced.”

The agency also promised that the entire process will be carried out according to the Adamas Anti-Doping Rules 2021 and the International Standard for Results Management (ISRM).

“The principle of strict liability is applicable to the athlete. This means that every athlete must be fully responsible for the substances found in their urine sample and or blood sample taken during doping control testing, regardless of whether the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or method, “ said Adamas.

“Therefore, it is important for the athletes and athletes’ support staff to be aware of the rules and their responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code.”