SEPANG, Nov 1 — The possibility of bringing Formula 1 (F1) racing back to Malaysia must be seriously evaluated, while the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) must be strengthened as a strategic national asset, says Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu.
Aiman Athirah, who is also Sepang MP, said this was to ensure that every investment generated economic returns, created job opportunities and brought tangible benefits to the people.
“In this regard, I hope Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will give due consideration to the future of SIC as a strategic national asset with international value, geographical advantages and huge potential to stimulate economic growth.
“SIC is not merely a racing circuit. It is a strategic national asset, a tourism catalyst, an investment platform and Malaysia’s gateway to remaining competitive in the global motorsports industry,” she said in a statement on her Facebook page today.
Meanwhile, Aiman Athirah said the decision to extend Malaysia’s hosting rights for the MotoGP until 2031 was an important step in maintaining the country’s position on the international motorsports calendar.
She said SIC needed to diversify its revenue streams through corporate sponsorships, commercial rights, hospitality packages, facility rentals, additional events and strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and international industry partners.
“I welcome SIC’s efforts to prepare a feasibility study on bringing F1 back to Malaysia, which is reportedly scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet in November.
“However, the decision to bring F1 back must not be based solely on nostalgia, prestige or spectator attendance. It must be guided by a thorough economic study, taking into account hosting fees, operational commitments, sponsorships, commercial revenue and net returns to the country,” she said.
She also proposed that the government consider several hosting models, including annual races if proven financially and commercially viable, or periodic races if such an approach offered a more optimal cost-benefit ratio.
She said SIC should also be developed into a year-round motorsports economic hub rather than relying solely on a few major racing weekends each year to generate revenue.
“Among the areas worth exploring are international motorsports events, vehicle testing and development by automotive manufacturers, technical training programmes, industry conferences, corporate activities and facility rentals for various commercial purposes.
“More importantly, SIC should be given a greater role in developing local talent and the domestic industry through collaborations with universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and automotive industry players,” she said. — Bernama
