The youth and sports ministry has granted conditional approval for the Hyrox Kuala Lumpur 2026 fitness race, which will be held from Dec 10 to 13.
Youth and sports minister Taufiq Johari said the approval was subject to full compliance with the Safe Sport Code and all requirements set by the Office of the Sports Commissioner. He said the organisers had agreed to observe all requirements under Clause 5.2 of the code, and that the ministry would monitor compliance throughout the event.
Clause 5.2 bars companies involved in tobacco, electronic cigarettes or alcoholic drinks from organising, sponsoring, promoting or advertising at sporting events approved or supported by the ministry and its agencies, or displaying their trademarks there.
On Wednesday, Taufiq said the ministry would not approve the event unless an alcoholic beverage company withdrew its sponsorship, after Carlsberg Malaysia was named the official beer partner of the race at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Hyrox later said it would not extend its regional partnership with Carlsberg to the Kuala Lumpur race. Carlsberg said its regional partnership with Hyrox covered selected events in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam, and that it would not be involved in Malaysia.
Taufiq said events like Hyrox were worth continuing as they encouraged more Malaysians to lead active and healthy lives.