Strategic Value and Economic Requirements for Sepang
The possibility of bringing Formula 1 racing back to Malaysia must be seriously evaluated, while the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) must be strengthened as a strategic national asset, according to Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu. Speaking in a statement published on her Facebook page, the Sepang Member of Parliament stressed that any investment connected to the venue must produce economic returns, create job opportunities, and deliver tangible benefits to the public. In this regard, Aiman Athirah expressed hope that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will give due consideration to the circuit’s future, highlighting its geographical advantages, international value, and huge potential to stimulate economic growth. She maintained that SIC serves as far more than a racing track, describing the complex as an investment platform, a catalyst for tourism, and Malaysia's gateway to maintaining competitiveness across the global motorsports sector.
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MotoGP Extension and Reported Cabinet Feasibility Study
Regarding current calendar commitments, the deputy minister praised the decision extending Malaysia’s hosting rights for MotoGP until 2031 as an important step toward securing the country’s place on the international motorsport schedule. Turning to Formula 1, she welcomed initiatives by SIC to prepare a feasibility study regarding a prospective Grand Prix return, which is reportedly scheduled for presentation to the Cabinet in November. However, Aiman Athirah cautioned that any final decision to bring F1 back cannot rely solely upon nostalgia, prestige, or spectator attendance. Instead, she urged that it be guided by an exhaustive economic study that thoroughly accounts for hosting fees, operational commitments, sponsorships, commercial revenue, and net returns to the nation. She additionally suggested that the government evaluate multiple hosting arrangements, proposing annual races if shown to be financially and commercially viable, or periodic events if that cadence presents a more optimal cost-benefit ratio.
Year-Round Hub Development and Talent Cultivation
Beyond headline racing weekends, Aiman Athirah stated that SIC should also be developed into a year-round motorsports economic hub rather than depending solely on a few major race weekends each year to generate revenue. She noted that 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. She pointed to specific areas worth exploring, including international motorsports events, automotive testing and vehicle development, technical training programmes, industry conferences, corporate activities, and facility rentals for commercial purposes. Furthermore, Aiman Athirah stated that 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.
