Minister: No approval for Hyrox KL 2026 unless beer sponsor withdraws

PUTRAJAYA: The Youth and Sports Ministry will not approve the Hyrox Kuala Lumpur 2026 event, scheduled for Dec 10 to 13, unless an alcoholic beverage sponsor completely withdraws.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said today this includes removing all related logos, trademarks, and promotional materials from the event's official channels and competition venue.

He said the ministry is still processing the application to organise the event and has not approved it.

"For the record, the application is still being processed and has not been approved. The ministry has neither approved nor provided any funding for the event.

"Clause 5.2 of the Safe Sport Code (Third Edition, 2024) explicitly prohibits individuals or organisations involved in the tobacco, electronic cigarette, or alcoholic beverage businesses from organising, sponsoring, promoting, advertising, selling, or displaying their trademarks at sporting events approved or supported by the ministry and its agencies," he said in a statement.

Taufiq said all companies applying for licences to organise sporting events must declare their commitment to comply with the Safe Sport Code.

He also reminded organisers that Section 36(1) of the Sports Development Act 1997 prohibits companies from engaging in sporting activities without a licence issued by the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia.

He said offenders face fines between RM50,000 and RM500,000, up to five years' imprisonment, or both.

The minister said these regulations apply to all organisers without exception, including tobacco, electronic cigarette, and alcoholic beverage companies, regardless of brand or target audience.

"The ministry will not compromise on ensuring a safe and healthy sporting environment for all participants," he said.

Screenshots recently went viral on social media announcing an alcoholic beverage company as the "Official Beer Partner" of an international fitness competition to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.