Former Bowling Coach Gets Additional Two Years for Sukmah Athlete Abuse

The Court of Appeal has ordered an additional two-year prison sentence for a former bowling coach convicted of molesting a Sukma Games athlete, reversing a high court's earlier rejection of the victim's testimony. The appellate bench found that the trial court had erred in dismissing the complainant's account, determining instead that the victim's statement was internally consistent and substantially supported by evidence from other witnesses. The decision underscores the appellate court's assessment that sufficient corroborating evidence existed to validate the victim's claims of abuse. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding in Malaysian sports, particularly within programmes involving young athletes. The additional sentence will be served concurrently or consecutively with any existing custodial terms imposed by the lower court, pending final clarification from correctional authorities.