Sarawak women's sepak takraw squad issue resolved

The issue of the Sarawak women's sepak takraw squad employing the services of three Indonesian players during the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in July has been resolved amicably, said the state Youth and Sports and Solidarity Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Abdul Karim, who was appointed as Sarawak contingent's chef de mission a month before the games, said he only found out about the matter during the games and had immediately instructed for the three foreign players to be replaced and not to be fielded when the squad competed in the semi-finals.

Abdul Karim also expressed his regret that such an incident occurred, adding that it might be due to the eagerness of certain officers to win a medal.

"I have reprimanded the officers involved and it has been resolved amicably," said Abdul Karim when asked to explain the incident in a press conference here today.

The assistant minister also give assurance that such an incident would not recur and that no action would be taken against the officers and the sepak takraw association.

Efforts to find potential local players for the state squad in preparation for SUKMA 2018 have also begun, he added. -- Bernama