'Our bowlers don't smoke' - MTBC

The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) will not pay the $2,700 (RM9,762.39) fine for alleged smoking and causing damage to property by its athletes, as claimed by the Asian Games host, South

Korea.

At the same time, it would also refute the allegations or perception that the bowlers were smoking, said MTBC president Datuk Dr P.S. Nathan on Wednesday.

He confirmed that the damage was not caused by the athletes because they were not staying in the damaged room reported by the organiser.

"The bowlers did not stay in the room but our officials were staying there. They had mentioned the damage to the Asiad officials and they had noticed it.

"As for the smoking allegation, we want to assure that none of our bowlers or officials smoke if they are wearing the Malaysian attire. They cannot be seen smoking anywhere," he told reporters at Sunway Mega Lanes, here, Wednesday.

Recently, it was reported that the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) received a $40,000 (RM142,478) bill for fines and damage to accommodation at last year's Asian Games.

The bill sent by the organisers of the Asiad in Incheon, South Korea last September and October, was the highest the OCM had ever received after a major sporting event.

In Glasgow, the Malaysians were fined a total of RM3,640.

The OCM decided to let the sports associations pay the fines instead. Sepak takraw was the biggest culprit in Incheon as they were fined a total of RM86,756. The other groups fined in the Asiad included bowling, sailing and rugby.

Meanwhile, MTBC secretary-general Cheah Ban Cheng said he was very disappointed with the allegations which also came at the wrong time.

"The Asian Games finished long ago and we received the fine now. Why now while the bowlers are preparing themselves for the coming SEA Games? The timing is not right," said Cheah, who is also manager for the SEA Games bowling squad.

The MTBC announced 12 bowlers who will be participating in the biennial games from June 5 to 14.

Men's team:

Adrian Ang, Alex Loew Kien Liang, Muhd Rafiq Ismail, Timmy Tan Chye Chern, Ahmad Muaz Fishol and Johnathan Cha Tian Cheng.

Women's team

Sin Li Jane, Esther Cheah, Shalin Zulkifli, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, Natasha Roslan and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman.