KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s controversial Hyrox Kuala Lumpur has been granted conditional approval after its organisers agreed to comply fully with the Safe Sport Code, ending uncertainty over whether the fitness event would go ahead.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari said the approval was issued under Section 33 of the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576), subject to the organisers meeting all requirements under the code and conditions imposed by the Sports Commissioner’s Office.
“The organisers of Hyrox Kuala Lumpur have agreed to fully comply with Article 5.2 of the Safe Sport Code,” said Taufiq in a statement.
He said the ministry would monitor compliance throughout the event, which is scheduled to take place from Dec 10-13 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The development follows the ministry’s Nov 4 statement outlining its position on the event after controversy erupted over an alcohol sponsorship arrangement.
Article 5.2 of the Safe Sport Code prohibits companies involved in tobacco, electronic cigarettes and alcoholic beverages from organising, sponsoring, promoting, advertising or displaying their trademarks at sporting events approved or supported by the ministry and its agencies.
The ministry had warned that approval would not be granted unless the sponsorship issue was resolved, including the removal of related branding and promotional materials.
With the conditions now accepted, Taufiq said mass fitness events such as Hyrox should continue to be encouraged for promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among Malaysians.
“Mass fitness events such as this should continue to be encouraged as they promote an active and healthy lifestyle among Malaysians,” he said.
Taufiq also wished all participants the best of luck in the competition.