KUALA LUMPUR • A foreign medallist at the recently concluded SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur has tested positive for a banned substance.

Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary-general Low Beng Choo confirmed yesterday that the games organisers had been notified by the Kuala Lumpur 2017 medical and anti-doping committee head, Dr S.S. Cheema, on Sunday.

Almost all the medallists at the games were tested. The committee also did random tests during the two weeks.

"We are unable to give more details, but I can confirm that we have our first doping case," said Ms Low. "We are disappointed because we wanted this SEA Games to be free from drug cheats. We are only able to release information after following all proper procedures.

"We have done all we can to create awareness among our athletes through our NOCs (National Olympic Committees), but we have no control over the other countries. All we know is that a medallist has been tested positive for prohibited drugs based on the Sample A. This athlete will be given time to request Sample B, and a hearing will take place after that.

"This procedure will take some time."

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, REUTERS