Syariah-compliant sports attire cannot be fully implemented – Terengganu Exco

KUALA TERENGGANU - Syariah-compliant sports attire guidelines for state athletes cannot be fully enforced due to their compliance with international sports regulations.

The Youth, Sports, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Development Exco Hishamuddin Karim stated that the state government had previously introduced the State Entertainment, Cultural Performances, Tourism, and Sports Guidelines in March 2020, which included ethical and clothing standards for Muslim athletes and coaches.

However, he said that the concept of syariah compliance had to be adjusted to a more modest and educational approach.

"For now, we are setting the policy for syariah-compliant athletes, but with some adjustments.

"Syariah compliance cannot be fully adhered to.

"So, we have introduced a Syariah-friendly approach as a starting point for the process of change.

"This process needs to involve raising awareness among all athletes. It is more about education, allowing time, and adapting our approach," he said.

He said this when speaking to reporters at the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly Conference in Kuala Terengganu today.

Taking the example of cycling, Hishamuddin said that syariah compliance in sports could be challenging because it depended on safety and the established laws.

"If we enter a race, it depends on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) regulations, so it is not as simple as immediately implementing syariah compliance.

"Therefore, we adjust the rules according to the circumstances over time," he said.

Hishamuddin added that to demonstrate the government's seriousness about syariah-compliant attire among athletes, they had involved the mufti in the Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT) Management Committee, which monitored and provided advice directly on the matter.

He added that within the MSNT itself, a specialised religious officer was appointed to serve as a spiritual coach to handle various religious activities for athletes.

He also mentioned that the state government had decided not to participate in women's gymnastics and gymnastics events at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) due to clothing issues seen as too tight and revealing of the body.

"For now, we are not continuing with gymnastics.

'We do not compromise on this matter, and everyone must respect our stance.

"We are not saying we dislike the sport, but allowing our athletes to participate in such conditions is not suitable.

"However, these guidelines only apply to Muslim athletes, while non-Muslims are not bound by our policies," he said.