National Divers' Allowances Suspended After They Were Caught Partying And Drinking Alcohol

The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) has confirmed in a statement yesterday, 20 June, that three Podium Programme senior national divers as well as four juniors under the National Sports Council (NSC) programme were involved in the incident.

According to New Straits Times (NST), the divers involved are said to be Pandelela Rinong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Chew Yiwei, Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya, Jellson Jabillin, Gabriel Gilbert Daim, and Kimberly Bong.

The incident was said to have happened in China during a Chinese New Year's Eve dinner when the athletes were having their three-day break. The event was apparently hosted by an accommodation manager in China.

"Three coaches were present during that trip, but were unaware of the filmed incident, which took place behind closed doors in a private area," ASUM secretary Mae Chan said.

The national athletes were in China for about two weeks then to prepare for the FINA Diving World Cup in Wuhan.

"The athletes have admitted their wrongdoing and they have promised never to do it again. They have learned from their mistake and they would like to offer an apology to the public."

In the statement, Mae Chan acknowledged that the national divers have produced several good results at key competitive events this year. However, she said that the athletes have "fallen short" in this case.

"As a national athlete, they should know that they carry the image of the country. This is an issue of discipline, coaches should take note in regards to this matter and monitor athletes' activities more closely so that such an incident will not be repeated," she added. 

According to Mae Chan, a warning has been issued to the athletes involved and an investigation committee has been established to determine what the next course of action would be.