State football associations get one month to form integrity committees

State football associations and clubs have been given one month to form integrity committees to combat corruption in sports.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said those who failed to do so would have to answer to the Sports Commissioner's Office.

He made this call during a meeting with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"The integrity committees can help us address match fixing. Unfortunately, there are state football associations who refused to set them up."

Football Association of Negeri Sembilan (PBNS) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan yesterday alleged corruption involving players in the Malaysia Cup campaign.

Mohamad, who is also Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, said a report was made to the MACC to investigate the matter and take action against the players involved.

Khairy said without the integrity committees, players approached by football bookies did not know where to go.

"I received many reports from players who want to remain anonymous for fear of being assaulted or their family members threatened.

"The integrity committees must be set up so that the police and the MACC can cooperate so that the players can come forward and turn witnesses.

"I hope the police in their efforts to combat serious crime, will also target football bookies.

"Behind the bookies are the gambling syndicates. Bookies will cease to exist if gambling syndicates are eradicated," he told reporters at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Aidilfitri open house at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara, today.

At the event, Khairy presented cash prizes under the Sports Incentive Scheme (SHAKAM) to several athletes who attained success in local and international championships.

Paralympic athlete Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli received the highest prize of RM80,000 for winning the gold medal in the shot put at IPC World Athletics Championships in Lyon, France from July 19-28.

Two elite women's divers, Pandelela Rinong and Leong Mun Yee received RM10,000 each for winning bronze medals at 15th FINA World Championships in Barcelona, ??Spain from July 19-Aug 4.