KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has expressed deep disappointment and regret after organisers of the Warzone World Championship (WWC) allegedly used a child participant to issue an apology regarding the tournament’s controversial promotion.
This development comes as the ministry continues to withhold official approval for the combat event, initially flagged for featuring child fighters in promotional material.
The incident follows a viral video depicting children in staged fights, which drew widespread criticism and prompted Hannah to declare that the December 6-7 event in Nilai could not proceed without the ministry’s sanction.
Hannah had previously emphasised the importance of official approval for all sports events, especially those with international participants, to ensure participant safety and adherence to the Sports Development Act 1997 [Act 576].
In a direct response to the apology video posted on social media, Hannah reiterated the inappropriateness of the organisers’ actions.
“Please do not use children to make such explanations. KBS does not need this young child to apologise. The child is not at fault. The organisers must take responsibility.”
The controversial promotional video, featuring child fighters from Malaysia and Indonesia, had already drawn the ire of the public, particularly parents who viewed it as inconsistent with safe sports values and promoting elements of violence.
Local teen muay thai athlete and ONE Championship fighter, Johan Ghazali, also weighed in, calling the event a gimmick that disgraces the art of martial arts and all its true practitioners.
As of now, the Warzone World Championship remains unapproved by the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia (PJS).
It remains to be seen if the organisers will still attempt to proceed with the event despite the strong disapproval from the ministry and the public, along with the possibility of stern action, including a police report, as previously warned by Hannah. — November 4, 2025