PETALING JAYA: An independent investigation of the slapping incident involving a Melaka volleyball coach and his teenage charges will be conducted to determine if such harsh training methods are the norm, says Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh (pic).
In a tweet on Monday (Jan 2), Yeoh said she had discussed the matter with Education Minister Fadhlina Siddiq and her ministry wanted to know if violence in training was practised in the team.
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“We must learn from this, improve and ensure (there is) no repetition,” she said.
Yeoh said it was wrong to slap girls – or boys too, for that matter.
“In fact, slapping anyone is wrong.
“Malaysians must stop normalising physical abuse as a means of behavioural compliance – wrong on kids, athletes, spouse or maid!” she tweeted.
Yeoh also expressed her disappointment with the actions of the coach, who was seen in a viral video slapping his players.
ALSO READ: No compromise in probe into slapping incident, says Education Minister
It was reported that the incident took place at a school in Johor on Dec 16 during the Under-14 Youth Volleyball Championships B-14 2022 in the girls' category.
The third-place match involved the Melaka team taking on Johor.
In the video, which was streamed live on Facebook, a man said to be a Melaka coach is seen slapping two of his players during a break after they conceded points to their opponents.
ALSO READ: Uproar after volleyball coach seen slapping teen player for losing point
On Sunday (Jan 1), the Malaysian Volleyball Association (Mava) said the coach had been suspended from all volleyball-related activities.
Mava said in a Facebook post that it had launched a probe as soon as the matter was brought to its attention.
