Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman also said the government would support these athletes regardless of what they chose to wear.

“If they choose to wear shariah-compliant sportswear, we will support them because in the end, their contribution to the country is enormous,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PAS-Setiu), who had asked if the government plans to introduce shariah-compliant attire for all sports activities and competitions.

Shaharizukirnain also said such sportswear was produced by companies like Nike.

Syed Saddiq said athletes were aware of this and that it was their decision to make.

“They know what is best for them. And we are confident that Malaysians will support them regardless of what they wear,” he said.

Last year, Syed Saddiq had criticised Terengganu’s ruling for Muslim athletes representing the state to cover up, saying the PAS-led state government should respect the choices of the country’s “heroes and heroines”.

In 2015, meanwhile, national gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi came under fire from some quarters for competing in a leotard.