PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, Nov 7, 2025 – In a decisive move to prioritize athlete safety amid the rising popularity of full-contact combat sports, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has imposed a strict ban on children under 15 participating in high-risk events like boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA). The regulation, announced today by Minister Hannah Yeoh, targets non-elite “fight events” increasingly featuring influencers and celebrities, emphasizing that these sports must never be treated as mere entertainment spectacles.
KBS underscored its unwavering commitment to robust governance and safety protocols, governed by the Sports Development Act 1997 [Act 576]. While acknowledging the events’ appeal to audiences and their potential economic benefits, Yeoh stressed that no compromises will be made on athlete welfare, integrity, or child protection. “Combat sports are regulated activities under the law—not just action-packed shows,” she said in a media statement.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting on November 6 between Yeoh and the President of the Muaythai Malaysia Association, where key concerns were flagged. These include the absence of valid contracts between athletes and organizers, mismatched bouts leading to unfair risks, unhealthy practices like extreme weight cutting, and breaches of legal standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). “These issues highlight an urgent need to fortify oversight and introduce clear guidelines to ensure integrity, safety, and professionalism in local combat sports,” Yeoh noted.
Under her authority as Minister, and after consultations with stakeholders, Yeoh outlined three immediate measures:
1. Prohibition on Under-15 Participation : Organizers of full-contact “fight events” are barred from involving athletes below 15 years old without mandatory safety gear. Such participation is permitted only in official championships sanctioned by registered National or State Sports Associations under Act 576.
2. Development of Specialized Guidelines : The Commissioner of Sports has been tasked with reviewing the entire regulatory framework for unarmed combat sports—including boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA—to guarantee competition safety and integrity.
3. Cross-Disciplinary Data Collection : The Commissioner’s Office will oversee the gathering of comprehensive data on events, athlete numbers, injury rates, and health incidents. This will inform future policies and refined guidelines.
Yeoh described these steps as a demonstration of KBS’s seriousness in fostering safe, ethical, and professional combat sports environments, with special emphasis on protecting young athletes’ well-being. “We are committed to nurturing talent without endangering lives,” she added.
The ministry urged all organizers, athletes, and associations to comply fully, warning of enforcement actions for violations. As combat sports gain traction in Malaysia’s entertainment landscape, KBS aims to balance excitement with accountability, ensuring the sports contribute positively to youth development rather than posing undue risks. Stakeholders have been called to collaborate on implementing these reforms swiftly.
