The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) will not approve the Hyrox Kuala Lumpur 2026 event unless sponsorship from an alcoholic beverage company is completely withdrawn.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the decision was in line with the Safe Sports Code, which prohibits companies associated with tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and alcoholic beverages from sponsoring or promoting sporting activities.
He said the application to organise the event, scheduled to take place from Dec 10 to 13 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, was still being processed and had not received approval.
KBS would also not provide any financial allocation for the event, he said.
Mohammed Taufiq added that all related logos, trademarks and promotional materials must be removed from the event’s official channels and competition venue.
His statement followed the circulation of a screenshot announcing an alcoholic beverage company as the event’s “Official Beer Partner”.
He stressed that the ministry’s requirements applied to all organisers without exception, covering companies linked to tobacco, electronic cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, regardless of their brands or advertising targets.
The minister also reminded organisers that Section 36(1) of the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576) requires companies to obtain a licence from the Commissioner of Sports Malaysia before engaging in sports activities.
Violations of the provision may result in a fine of between RM50,000 and RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
“KBS will not compromise when it comes to ensuring that the country’s sporting environment remains safe and healthy for all participants,” he said.
