January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
WELLINGTON, June 19 — A New Zealand coroner has strongly criticised a dangerous, rugby-inspired activity known as “Runit”, where participants charge at each other from 20 metres apart and collide at full speed without any protective gear.
Coroner Bruce Hesketh described the sport as “perilous” while delivering his findings on the death of a rugby league player—though not related to Runit. His remarks came as concern mounts over the rise of unsanctioned Runit events across Australia and New Zealand.
The Runit Championship League, an Australian organisation that recently expanded into New Zealand, offers NZ$20,000 (RM51,120) in regional prizes and NZ$200,000 for the tournament champion. Its popularity has been fuelled by viral videos on social media, though it lacks formal regulation or safety protocols.
In May, 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died after sustaining a serious head injury during an unofficial Runit event. While Hesketh is not investigating that case, he voiced serious reservations about the growing trend.
“This is an activity with clear risks of head trauma and no systems in place to reduce those dangers,” he stated. “There’s no regulatory oversight, no written rules, and no concussion awareness or management protocols.”
Unlike rugby, where the goal is to avoid tackles, Runit revolves entirely around high-impact collisions. Hesketh contrasted the sport with rugby unions and leagues, which have made strides in educating players and managing concussion risks.
He concluded that Runit should not be recognised as a legitimate sport.
At its first official New Zealand event in Auckland in May, the dangers were already apparent—two participants were knocked unconscious, and another suffered seizures after a head injury, while spectators cheered.
Following Satterthwaite’s death, New Zealand police issued a public warning about the serious injury risks. Amid growing backlash, organisers have relocated the Runit Championship League final to Dubai, where it will be held on June 28 at the Agenda Arena, with all competitors flown in for the event. — AFP
