KUALA LUMPUR – The RM60 daily allowance offered to Formula 1 (F1) volunteers at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has come under scrutiny, with economist Geoffrey Williams warning that the payment could create a perception of exploitation given the multi-billion-dollar nature of the global motorsport industry.
Speaking to Scoop, Williams of Williams Business Consultancy said the allowance was below the minimum wage benchmark and questioned whether individuals carrying out duties for the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix should still be classified solely as volunteers.
“RM60 per day is less than the minimum wage, which should be around RM78.46 or even RM100. Considering Formula 1 is a multi-billion-dollar industry, this is likely to be viewed as exploitation,” said Williams.
He said the responsibilities carried out by some individuals involved in the event should be reassessed, particularly if their roles resemble part-time or gig economy work.
“Actually, the work carried out by these ‘volunteers’ should be considered as part-time or gig economy-type work. It should be regulated by law, with applicable wages, clear terms and conditions, as well as statutory deductions such as EPF, EIS and SOCSO,” he said.
Williams added that SIC must ensure its payment structure and working conditions for personnel involved in major international sporting events are aligned with global standards to protect the country’s reputation.
“SIC should benchmark its pay and terms for F1 workers against international standards. Otherwise, we risk being criticised by international organisations that monitor workers’ rights and fair employment practices.
“This could damage Malaysia’s brand, reputation and long-term prospects of hosting Formula 1 in the future, especially if we want to continue positioning ourselves as a destination for major international sporting events,” he said.
The debate surrounding the allowance emerged after several users on Threads questioned whether the RM60 daily rate, which was claimed to have remained unchanged since 2017, was still appropriate given the current cost of living and the stature of Formula 1.
Some users called for the allowance to be reviewed, suggesting that volunteers contributing to a world-class sporting event deserved better recognition and compensation.
Concerns were also raised over whether the allowance reflected the responsibilities carried by volunteers, particularly those involved in supporting race operations and ensuring the smooth running of the event.
SIC had earlier opened volunteer applications through its official website ahead of Malaysia hosting the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from Oct 2 to 4.
Apart from the allowance, volunteers will also receive meals throughout their duty period and the opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes experience at a world-class motorsport event.
Meanwhile, senior sports analyst and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) sports science lecturer Sadek Mustaffa said the value of volunteering should not be judged purely through financial rewards, as the experience gained from being part of a prestigious event like Formula 1 carries its own significance.
Sadek said the opportunity to gain exposure at a global sporting event could be more valuable than monetary compensation for some volunteers.
“After all, it is called volunteering. The important thing is gaining an extraordinary experience from being part of a Formula 1 event.
“The exposure, the opportunity to understand how a world-class sporting event is managed and being part of that environment itself can be much more meaningful than money,” he said.
However, Sadek stressed that a clear distinction must be made between genuine volunteer roles and positions that require specific skills, expertise and higher levels of responsibility.
“Everything depends on the party offering these volunteer opportunities. If the experience as a volunteer cannot be compared with money, then that experience becomes more meaningful.
“But if the role is changed into part-time work, then it is only appropriate that they are given rewards that match their responsibilities, experience and skills,” he said.
Sadek added that technical and specialist positions should be treated differently from general volunteer duties as they require individuals with specific expertise.
“Volunteer work does not involve complex matters, but technical and specialist roles require individuals who truly possess the skills and knowledge in their respective fields. Those roles should be recognised accordingly because they involve a different level of responsibility,” he said.
He also pointed out that access to the inner workings of Formula 1 remains a major attraction for many volunteers.
“It is not difficult to get volunteers because the opportunity itself has value. Being able to enter areas under the circuit’s management and experience the Formula 1 environment, including meeting drivers, can be more valuable and worthwhile for many people,” he said.
Sadek said the success of a volunteer programme should ultimately be measured by professionalism, commitment and the ability to carry out responsibilities effectively.
“The benchmark should not only be the allowance. What is important is that those who come as volunteers are able to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively and professionally.
“That experience can strengthen their profile and improve their CV, allowing them to be selected for volunteer opportunities at other high-impact international events,” he said.
SIC previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix for 19 years from 1999 until 2017 before Malaysia was removed from the F1 calendar.
The return of F1 action to Sepang comes after Bahrain selected Malaysia as a replacement host for the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Scoop has reached out to SIC for clarification and comments regarding the RM60 daily allowance offered to volunteers, including whether the rate has remained unchanged since 2017 and if there are any plans to review the allowance.
SIC’s response is awaited. – August 3, 2026