What is the Malaysia Pickleball Federation, and why is it representing the country in an international body?
Those are the questions bugging Sports Commissioner Arrifin Ghani.
As far as Arrifin is concerned, no such entity exists. Yet the Malaysia Pickleball Federation (MPF) is listed as part of a newly established organisation called the Asian Pickleball Association (APA), with Marc Chua named as MPF’s representative.
“As far as I know, only the Malaysia Pickleball Association is registered with my office,” Arrifin told Twentytwo13.
“I have never heard of Malaysia Pickleball Federation, and it should not be representing Malaysia in any international pickleball associations.”
Under Section 15(1) of the Sports Development Act, all sports bodies must be registered and approved by the Sports Commissioner’s Office to carry out any sporting events or activities. Failure to register prevents any sporting activity from being carried out and may attract heavy penalties.
Under Section 18 of the Act, the Sports Commissioner has the discretion to approve or reject registration applications and to modify application requirements.
According to APA’s website, it is “committed to a one-country, one-vote governance model and will work towards that goal using a structured, phased approach”. It added that the phased approach is meant to “ensure that the most established countries with the history, experience, leadership, and membership criteria can guide the APA and its member countries toward the one-country, one-vote structure”.
Although it named Chua as one of its directors, APA spelt Malaysia wrongly under its list of members – “Malasia” – even though the Malaysia Pickleball Federation’s name and logo appear in the same space.
Malaysia is spelt Malasia on the Asia Pickleball Association website.
Twentytwo13 has emailed APA and is awaiting a response.
Separately, Arrifin will meet officials of the Malaysia Pickleball Association early next month, after his office ordered the national body to hold fresh elections by Jan 14, 2026, or face deregistration.
“I am going to meet with MPA officials in December to sort out their issues. I will do everything in my power to help them as they are a young organisation and need guidance,” Arrifin said.
MPA’s troubles began in July when its president, Farrell Choo, resigned. He appointed treasurer and Sarawak Pickleball Association president, Delima Ibrahim, as caretaker president, effective July 1, 2025.
Delima said the move was endorsed by the executive council, even though MPA’s constitution states the deputy president should take over.
Subsequently, MPA deputy president Harmeet Singh filed a complaint with the Sports Commissioner’s Office, highlighting that several executive committee members had been appointed instead of being elected.
It is learnt that several parties are keen on forming a new pickleball association, given the sport’s rising popularity and economic opportunities.
Arrifin, however, said he is committed to ensuring MPA remains the official body, as long as it complies with the remedial notice.
