The youth and sports ministry said in a statement today the move was decided by the Malaysian Anti-Doping Hearing Panel after both athletes were found to have violated anti-doping regulations.

As a result, the national weightlifting squad has been disbanded and the contracts of 17 people terminated.

Azroy, 27, and Ikram, 19, who are both under the Podium Programme, were suspended for four years starting July 16.

“Both athletes can submit a written appeal against this decision within 21 days from the date of the suspension letter,” said the statement.

According to the statement, a doping control test was carried out on Azroy and Ikram on May 21 and the urine samples sent to an anti-doping laboratory in Qatar, recognised by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The test results revealed a banned substance, methandienone, listed as an anabolic steroid.

The ministry said both athletes were given a hearing before an independently appointed panel.

The Malaysian Weightlifting Association and the National Sports Council have agreed to disband the squad, resulting in all four coaches and 13 athletes being given notices of contract termination effective Nov 1.