No approval given to hold Klang marathon, says sports commissioner

The vehicle that hit the three runners in the race (left) and Ang (right), who remains in critical condition.

PETALING JAYA: The organisers of the Klang International City Marathon did not make any application for a licence to hold the event on Sunday, said the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Sports Commissioner Datuk Zaiton Othman said the marathon, which saw three runners hit by a car, was, therefore, held without approval. The Sports Commissioner's Office oversees the organisation of sports events in the country.

“We regret this deeply because the organisation of any events should get the approval of the Sports Commissioner as stated in the Sports Development Act 1997, as well as approvals from the relevant bodies of that sport, police and local councils,” Zaiton said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).

She said this was compulsory to ensure the financial and technical ability of the organisers and that local and international rules are followed.

She said action would be taken against the marathon's organiser for breaching the law.

“I would like to remind everyone who wants to organise any sports event to apply and get our approval.

"The organisers should also adhere to the decision made on the application. This is to make sure that the organiser of the event follows all the rules for the safety of everyone,” said Zaiton.

She said that starting Dec 14, the Sports Commissioner's Office would upload all events which have been approved on its website.

Avid runner, Evelyn Ang, 44, was among three people hit by a car during Sunday's marathon. She remains in critical condition at Hospital Sungai Buloh after suffering severe head injuries in the crash.