The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) today said that it is "shattered" by news that a national shuttler tested positive for a banned substance in initial testing.

BAM vice president Norza Zakaria (below) told reporters that conclusive results will only be known in the first week of November, after the second sample known as 'sample B' is tested in Norway on either Nov 4 or 5.  

"Basically, we are very shocked, sad and it is shattering news to us...We are hoping and keeping our fingers crossed that things will come to a positive conclusion at the end of the day.

"The athlete concerned is part of our responsibility (and we will) ensure he gets the proper treatment and support from us and also the country," he said.

He also confirmed the substance found in the first test is dexamethasone, a type of steroid which has anti-inflammatory effects.

BAM declined to reveal the identity of the athlete, although it has been widely reported that he is Malaysia’s top shuttler Lee Chong Wei.

Lee withdrew from the Denmark Open last week citing injury.

Special committee

Norza told reporters after a two-and-a-half hour BAM meeting in Subang Jaya that the body will form a special committee to look into the doping scandal.

"We (will) set up a committee consisting of various background and various expertise to discuss the issue in hand and to brief the minister.

Asked if the athlete involved will be called by BAM to explain himself, Norza said the technical person responsible will be the one doing the explaining.

Meanwhile, BAM president Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Arif (right) stressed that that said judgment should not be passed on the athlete involved unless there is evidence.

"No one should be found guilty until proven," he said.

He added the body was today briefed on the medical aspect of the doping scandal.