KUALA LUMPUR – With just two months remaining before Formula One returns to Malaysian soil, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has established two special committees to oversee preparations for the Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), as the government races to ensure the world-class event runs smoothly.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the first committee, a high-level steering committee chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government, will coordinate security, protocol and inter-ministerial cooperation to ensure every aspect of the event is executed seamlessly.
The second, a technical committee led by KBS, has been tasked with monitoring operational progress and ensuring all preparations remain on schedule ahead of the race, which will take place from Oct 2 to 4.
“We have a very limited window of around two months to ensure everything is in place. It is not just about preparing the circuit, but also managing protocol, security, transport and maximising the benefits for Malaysia’s tourism sector.
“All of this requires comprehensive coordination,” he told reporters after a working visit to SIC today.
Taufiq also revealed that inspectors from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) were satisfied with the current condition of the Sepang circuit following an inspection last week.
“There were no red flags. Overall, we are on the right track and only require minor upgrading and improvement works to meet FIA specifications,” he said.
To facilitate those upgrades, the circuit is expected to close to the public from Sept 7, allowing final enhancement works, maintenance and testing to be completed before the race weekend.
Beyond the circuit, KBS is preparing to launch a volunteer programme involving about 1,000 youths, including students from higher education institutions, to support the organisation of the event.
The ministry will also organise a People’s Carnival throughout the race weekend, providing local traders with opportunities to generate income through the sale of food, handicrafts and Malaysian-themed souvenirs.
On the proposed MADANI ticket initiative announced earlier by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Taufiq said discussions are still ongoing as ticket pricing and allocation remain under the authority of Bahrain, the official race promoter.
He added that the government has allocated RM16 million for upgrading works at SIC, while the full cost of staging the Grand Prix will be borne by the Bahraini government.
The ministry is also seeking sponsorship from private companies and corporate partners to help offset ancillary costs associated with hosting the event.
Asked whether Malaysia could eventually regain a permanent place on the Formula One calendar, Taufiq said it was too early to speculate, stressing that the immediate priority is ensuring October’s Bahrain Grand Prix is successfully delivered.
“If this event is a success, then we can begin discussions on the possibility of Malaysia returning permanently to the Formula One calendar. Based on our projections, the economic spillover could be around 13 times greater than the cost of hosting the race,” he said. – July 30, 2026