Hannah: Cycling coach in alleged sexual harassment case has resigned

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said investigation will continue despite the coach's resignation.

SHAH ALAM: The national cycling coach who was alleged to have sexually harassed an athlete has resigned.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed this yesterday but said the investigation will continue despite the coach's resignation.

The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) on Friday suspended a coach from the mountain bike cycling squad preparing for the Cambodia SEA Games following a police report lodged by a female athlete over alleged sexual harassment during training.

Hannah, commenting on the issue, said the Safe Sport Code (SSC) safeguarding officer Melissa Akhir has been dispatched by the National Sports Council (NSC) to investigate and monitor the condition of the athlete.

She also praised the athlete who was brave enough to lodge the police report in the first place.

"On our side, I will monitor the development of the investigation of this case at the NSC level.

"I want this case to be a template under the SSC Act on the standard operating procedure (SOP) to handle complaints like this in the future," said Hannah after officiating national foot-golf crowdfunding launch for the Footgolf World Cup at the Bukit Jelutong Golf Centre.

"After getting the report from safeguarding officer, we will then update the media. "As for the other athletes, a female official will be appointed to monitor them.

"Two investigations will run concurrently, with the police as it's a criminal offence and one internal investigation under the NSC.

"We will make sure the athletes can continue their training safely and this is the priority.

"This is also a warning for everyone outside there, athletes or coaches or anyone.

"If we get complaints we will act, no matter if the athlete for example is the world No.1 or not, if there are cases when you make it an unsafe situation, then we will take action."

Hannah added she was not surprised as studies have shown that sexual harassment does happen in sports.

"I'm not surprised with this allegation because based on the studies done by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, there are cases like this out there.

"But I don't want to comment before talking to the safeguarding officer. We've already appointed a capable officer who has the expertise."