HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026 at risk as Sports Ministry demands removal of beer sponsor before giving approval

Malaysia's Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) says it will not approve HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026 unless the organisers drop an alcoholic beverage company as a sponsor. The fitness race is scheduled for 10 to 13 December at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec). Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari set out the ministry's position in a statement on Wednesday (4 November), Malay Mail reported.

Event licence still pending

Taufiq said the organiser's licence application is still being processed and has not been approved. He added that KBS has not approved the event and has not provided any funding for it.

Malay Mail and Scoop reported that the statement followed a promotional graphic that spread online, naming a beer brand as the event's official beer partner.

What the ministry wants changed

KBS says the sponsorship has to be withdrawn completely. All related logos, trademarks and promotional material must also come off the event's official channels and the competition venue.

The ministry pointed to Clause 5.2 of the Safe Sport Code (Third Edition, 2024). It bars people and companies in the tobacco, e-cigarette and alcoholic beverage businesses from sponsoring, promoting or advertising at sporting events approved or supported by KBS and its agencies. They also cannot sell products there or display their trademarks. Scoop reported that the restriction also applies at facilities owned by KBS and its agencies.

Organisers who apply for a sports event licence must formally commit to following the Safe Sport Code. The ministry said the rule applies equally to every organiser, whatever the brand involved or the audience its marketing is aimed at.

Penalties for an unlicensed event

KBS also reminded organisers about Section 36(1) of the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576). Under that section, a company may not stage a sporting activity without a licence from the Commissioner of Sports. The penalty is a fine of RM50,000 to RM500,000, up to five years in prison, or both.

Taufiq said the ministry "will not compromise" on keeping the sporting environment safe and healthy for all participants.

What happens next

The reports do not mention a deadline. Approval now depends on the sponsorship being withdrawn and all related branding being removed, and it is not yet known how the organisers will respond. Participants who have entered should check official HYROX Kuala Lumpur channels for updates.

Malay Mail describes HYROX Kuala Lumpur as a multi-day fitness competition.

Key takeaways

• KBS will not approve HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026 (10-13 December, Mitec) unless the alcohol sponsorship is fully withdrawn.
• All related logos, trademarks and promotional material must be removed from official channels and the venue.
• The event licence application is still being processed, and KBS has given no approval or funding.
• Running a sports event without a licence can lead to a fine of up to RM500,000, up to five years in prison, or both.

FAQ

When and where is HYROX Kuala Lumpur 2026? It is scheduled for 10 to 13 December at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur. The event still needs ministry approval.

Why has the Sports Ministry not approved HYROX KL? The event has an alcoholic beverage sponsor. Clause 5.2 of the Safe Sport Code (Third Edition, 2024) bars such companies from sponsoring or advertising at events approved or supported by KBS.

What is the penalty for holding a sports event without a licence in Malaysia? Under Section 36(1) of the Sports Development Act 1997, the penalty is a fine of RM50,000 to RM500,000, up to five years in prison, or both.

Sources: Malay Mail, Scoop