SEPANG, Selangor: The carnival and programmes held in conjunction with the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in October will be expanded beyond the circuit to Putrajaya.
Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said the approach would enable more people to experience the excitement of the F1 event, given Putrajaya’s accessibility and larger visitor base.
“Throughout the three-day event, several carnivals will also be held and after the event, there will be other carnivals such as concerts and so on. But these carnivals will not only be centred at SIC, but will also be held around Putrajaya.
“Because Putrajaya is more accessible, the crowd is bigger, and more people will be able to participate in the events, carnivals or programmes organised by us,” he told reporters after attending the Circuit Dash KBS x SIC Run 2026 at SIC here today.
Meanwhile, Dr Taufiq said the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is collaborating with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to provide space for local traders, including students, veterans and small-scale traders, beyond a two-kilometre radius from SIC.
“There will also be sales booths around Sepang, where they will be given space and opportunities to sell their products. Beyond the two-kilometre (km) radius, we are also working with KUSKOP to provide space and opportunities for local traders, including students, veterans and small-scale traders from our country,” he said.
However, he said business spaces within the SIC radius would involve booths designated or approved by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
“The ones within the SIC radius are booths that have already been designated or approved by the Bahrain International Circuit,” he said.
On preparations at SIC ahead of the race, Dr Taufiq said they were progressing very well, with repair and upgrading works at the circuit scheduled to begin on Sept 7, 2026.
“Preparations are very, very good. We have now entered the phase of repairing and upgrading the Sepang International Circuit, with repair works beginning on September 7, 2026,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Taufiq officiated the Circuit Dash KBS x SIC Run 2026, which attracted more than 7,000 participants and gave the public an opportunity to experience the circuit before it closes for repair and upgrading works. – BERNAMA
