Pandelela and Dhabitah among 7 divers to face the music for China training camp party

Diver Pandelela seen in the screengrab of the video.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) has acted fast to suspend the allowances of seven national divers with immediate effect for consuming alcohol – and they may even face further action.

This could either be as light as having their allowances cut by half for two months or it could be as drastic as being dropped from the Asian Games in Jakarta in August.

Asum yesterday confirmed that three of them are Podium Programme divers Pandelela Rinong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Chew Yiwei as well as four juniors under the National Sports Council (NSC) programme, Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya, Jellson Jabillin, Gabriel Gilbert Daim and Kimberly Bong.

They were seen in a few video clips leaked on social media.

In the videos, shot during Chinese New Year in February this year while attending a training camp in Guangzhou, China, the seniors were seen consuming alcohol and partying alongside the juniors.

Asum secretary Mae Chen, who later issued a joint statement with NSC and National Sports Institute, said an investigation committee would determine the next course of action.

"They will forward their recommendations to the ASUM disciplinary committee.

"Asum, NSI and NSC met the seven divers and made it very clear that high standards are expected from them.

"The athletes have fallen short in this case," said Mae, adding that they were disappointed with their actions.

"As a national athlete, they should know that they carry the image of the country. Athletes have admitted to their wrongdoing and have promised never to do it again," she said.