KUALA LUMPUR — Athlete wellbeing must be treated as a national priority if Malaysia is to foster safe and sustainable sporting success, say the founding members of Safe Sport Malaysia in the latest episode of the Sport Check podcast.
Former national gymnast and Safe Sport Malaysia president Sarina Sundara Rajah joined radio personality Freda Liu and veteran broadcaster Datuk Yasmin Yusuff to address the risks athletes face when issues of abuse and misconduct are ignored.
They warned that failing to create safe sporting environments not only jeopardises the careers of young athletes but also undermines Malaysia’s sporting future.
“Protecting athletes is not just about preventing harm, it’s about enabling them to reach their full potential,” Sarina said.
The conversation explores the cultural change needed within Malaysian sport, emphasising the importance of clear reporting channels, stronger awareness among coaches and parents, and consistent enforcement of the Safe Sport Code.
Freda and Yasmin also shared their perspectives on why safeguarding measures must be normalised in everyday training and competition settings.
The episode underscores that protecting athletes is as much about prevention as it is about accountability — and calls on the wider sporting community to take responsibility for ensuring that safe spaces exist at every level.
The full interview with Sarina, Freda and Yasmin is available now on the Sport Check podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all PODaBOOM major platforms. — August 21, 2025