KUALA LUMPUR: Bodybuilding legend Datuk Malek Noor has called for doping tests on athletes to be conducted not only on competition days but also during training sessions.
The former Mr Universe suggested that random tests during training would help prevent doping issues, particularly among bodybuilders, at an early stage.
"If you want to catch them (athletes using banned substances), test them during training or the off-season," Malek told reporters recently.
"Most athletes use these substances in the off-season," he added.
This comes after the Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (ADAMAS) confirmed that a bodybuilder tested positive for banned substances at the National Bodybuilding Championship in Johor Bahru last month.
ADAMAS reported the athlete's sample contained prohibited substances, including stanozolol metabolites such as stanozolol-1´N-glucuronide and 16beta-hydroxystanozolol.
Malek acknowledged that while the use of strong steroids can help bodybuilders achieve their desired physique quickly, the risks are significant.
"They take these substances because they want to grow (muscles) quickly, but sometimes they're unaware of the severe effects on the heart, kidneys, and other organs," he said. – BERNAMA