International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 12(6), pp. 943 - 952
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2024.120606
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Doping Trends in Malaysian Sports: Analysis of Banned Substances Usage among Athletes

Siti Khadijah Ab Rahman ^1,*, Mohd Rizal Md Razali ¹, Yeo Wee Kian ¹, Nurhamizah Rahmat ¹, Nor Azhani Abd Hazis ^2
1 Division of Research and Innovation, National Sports Institute, Malaysia
² Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

The use of banned substances to enhance athletic performance is prohibited by most international sports federations. Despite this, athletes often resort to these substances as a shortcut to achieve their goals, such as recovering from injuries, accelerating muscle growth, boosting energy and performance, improving endurance, or losing weight. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of doping cases in Malaysian sports over 17 years, from 2005 to 2022. The data sources include reports on the suspension of Malaysian athletes, anti-doping testing figures and other published materials. The findings reveal that doping remains a persistent challenge, particularly during major sporting events such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, and Sukma Games, where doping incidents tend to spike. These trends suggest that competitive pressure may drive athletes to use performance-enhancing substances. While recent declines in cases can be linked to improved anti-doping measures, like the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resurgence of doping in 2021 and 2022 underscores that the issue persists. A higher incidence of doping among male athletes mirrors global patterns, highlighting the need for gender-specific education and prevention strategies. The study also shows that anabolic agents are the most frequently detected substances in Malaysia, followed by stimulants, diuretics, and masking agents, in line with international trends. Sports most affected by doping in Malaysia include bodybuilding, weightlifting, athletics, and cycling. These findings reinforce the need for sustained anti-doping education, comprehensive testing, and stricter regulation enforcement to safeguard athlete health and preserve the integrity of sports. The role of Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (ADAMAS), alongside the broader involvement of coaches, medical professionals, and athletes, remains vital in promoting a culture of clean and fair competition in Malaysian sports.

KEYWORDS
Doping Cases, Anabolic Agents, Performance, Malaysian Athlete, Banned Substances

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Siti Khadijah Ab Rahman , Mohd Rizal Md Razali , Yeo Wee Kian , Nurhamizah Rahmat , Nor Azhani Abd Hazis , "Doping Trends in Malaysian Sports: Analysis of Banned Substances Usage among Athletes," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 943 - 952, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2024.120606.

(b). APA Format:
Siti Khadijah Ab Rahman , Mohd Rizal Md Razali , Yeo Wee Kian , Nurhamizah Rahmat , Nor Azhani Abd Hazis (2024). Doping Trends in Malaysian Sports: Analysis of Banned Substances Usage among Athletes. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 12(6), 943 - 952. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2024.120606.