Malaysia will implement the World Anti-Doping Code at the 2027 SEA Games, a first for the event, to ensure integrity and elevate its international standing.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to become the first SEA Games host to implement the World Anti-Doping Code at the 34th edition next year.
Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the move will ensure full compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency standards.
He stated this enhances the integrity and international standing of the Games.
Malaysia’s proposal was unanimously approved during a South East Asian Games Federation meeting.
“Malaysia has a storied history of pioneering structural shift in regional sport,” Mohamad Norza said at a press conference.
He noted this follows the legacy of transforming the SEAP Games into the SEA Games in 1977.
The World Anti-Doping Code serves as the cornerstone for harmonising anti-doping policies worldwide.
It was first adopted in 2004.
The meeting also set a May 8 deadline for appeals on additional sports for the 2027 Games.
The organising committee will then consider these appeals with relevant national bodies.
The 2027 SEA Games will feature 38 sports hosted across Sarawak, Penang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur.
Sarawak will serve as the main cluster and host the opening ceremony with 17 sports.
Penang will host six sports including sepak takraw and boxing.
Johor will host only football for the event.
Kuala Lumpur will host the closing ceremony and 14 sports, including athletics and badminton.
