The statement came amid protests on social media over a video clip showing two young boys behaving aggressively at a press conference on the competition.

In a posting on X, social media user Syed Akramin called for an investigation. He questioned the organisers’ motives in promoting the event while school bullying cases were on the rise.

The ministry’s statement this evening said that any sports event, especially those involving international participation, must obtain approval from the sports commissioner.

Legal action could be taken against any international sporting event held without the commissioner’s approval to safeguard the integrity and safety of sports in the country, the statement said.

The War Zone championship, which features bouts involving Muay Thai and boxing, is scheduled for Dec 6-7 at the N9 Arena in Negeri Sembilan.

According to its website, the event will feature about 54 fighters from Malaysia and Indonesia, and guest fighters from India, China, and Thailand.