KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) has made it clear that it will not hesitate to conduct tests on esports players if there is a need to do so.
Currently, esports players in domestic competitions are not subjected to drug testing though that could change in the future, especially as local competitions are now starting to offer lucrative prize purses reaching hundreds of thousands of ringgit.
Adamas director Azura Abidin said the national anti-doping organisation is constantly monitoring the situation.
"Adamas is committed to ensuring that all sports in Malaysia, including esports, are free of banned substances and methods," said Azura recently.
"Prize money and sporting achievements are among the main criteria we look at when conducting risk evaluation (on a particular sport).
"If we receive any intelligence that indicates the use of banned substances, Adamas will take necessary action and conduct tests.
"Adamas' priority for now, however, is to focus on providing anti-doping education to those involved in sports based on Article 7.2.1 (Wada code) of the International Standard of Education (ISE).
"ISE states that 'an athlete's first experience with anti-doping should be through education rather than doping control (tests)'."
Azura urged the sports community to work together to ensure integrity and a clean environment in sports.
Esports players abroad have been known to use stimulants which can enhance their focus over a long duration and also improve their reaction times.
This includes medication intended for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is banned in sports as it can be used as a performance enhancer.