The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have slammed the online abuse against the national shuttlers, explaining the players were even issued death threats.

“We are not talking about constructive criticism, but comments that are death threats. There were comments such as ‘I’ll wait for you in KLIA. These comments are unacceptable. We have a duty to protect our players.

“These days, some on social media have completely lost their sense of judgement. We will act according to the Safe Sport procedure if needed,” said BAM secretary-general Kenny Goh.

The national body issued a statement on Monday regarding the online abuse the shuttlers received and promised to stand by the affected players.

Online abuse to badminton players have transpired in recent years.

In 2023, Scottish shuttler Kristy Gilmour was sent rape and death threats online after losing in a match.

She admitted that shuttlers regularly faced this abuse, and it usually comes from social media accounts without a picture or many followers.

Gilmour suggested that the abuse came from individuals who had placed bets on her matches and lost.

The recent online abuse targeted at the national shuttlers is a result of several disappointing results at the recent Arctic Open, Denmark Open and French Open.

The Safe Sport Act under the Ministry of Youth & Sports regulates that any individual who is a victim of abuse with criminal intent can lodge a complaint to the Royal Malaysia Police that is aligned with their national sports association internal procedure.