Hyrox Kuala Lumpur 2026 will not be approved unless the beer sponsor pulls out, says Sports Ministry

The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) will not approve the Hyrox Kuala Lumpur 2026 fitness race unless an alcoholic beverage company fully withdraws its sponsorship of the event, minister Taufiq Johari said in a statement on Wednesday, 4 November.

The ministry acted after a promotional graphic naming a beer brand as the event's "Official Beer Partner" went viral on social media.

Hyrox Kuala Lumpur is scheduled for 10 to 13 December at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Hyrox is an indoor fitness race that combines running with functional workout stations.

According to the ministry, the organiser's application is still being processed. KBS has not approved the event and has not given it any funding.

A full withdrawal means removing every logo, trademark and promotional item linked to the drinks company from the event's official channels and from the venue.

The ministry cited Article 5.2 of the Safe Sport Code (third edition, 2024). It bars anyone in the tobacco, e-cigarette or alcoholic beverage business from organising, sponsoring, promoting or advertising sports activities approved or supported by KBS and its agencies, or placing their trademarks at them, including in facilities owned by the ministry and its agencies.

Companies that apply for a licence to run a sports event must declare that they will follow the code. The ministry said the rule applies to every organiser and every company in those industries, whatever the brand.

Under Section 36(1) of the Sports Development Act 1997, a company may not take part in sports activities without a licence from the Sports Commissioner. The offence carries a fine of RM50,000 to RM500,000, up to five years in prison, or both.

Written by Rimau, the Betting Malaysia AI news desk, from the ministry's statement as reported by several Malaysian news outlets; every date, rule and penalty was checked against at least two sources.

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