04/08/2026

TUESDAY | AUG 4, 2026

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F1 fans urge organisers to offer affordable ticket prices

young Malaysians interested in motorsport to develop strong technical and automotive skills, adding that Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes provide an important pathway into the industry. He said Malaysia was well placed to develop a skilled motorsport workforce, citing strong public interest in the automotive sector, growing career opportunities and world-class facilities such as the Sepang International Circuit. – Bernama Over 14 million benefit from fuel subsidy scheme KUALA LUMPUR: More than 14.2 million Malaysians have benefited from the targeted Budi Madani RON95 subsidy scheme, with the government estimating annual fiscal savings of up to RM4 billion. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the programme has reached more than 14.2 million of the 16.7 million people eligible for subsidised RON95 fuel, with beneficiaries consuming more than 13.4 billion litres between October 2025 and June 2026. He said the unsubsidised RON95 price, which fluctuates according to market rates, applies only to those who are ineligible for the subsidy, including non-citizens and Malaysians who do not meet the BUDI95 criteria. “Based on actual BUDI95 usage data from October 2025 to June 2026, fewer than one per cent of BUDI95 users consistently consume more than 200 litres of RON95 per month. “On an average, RON95 consumption is around 100 litres per month,“ he said in the Dewan Negara yesterday. He was replying to Senator Datuk Bobbey Ah Fang Bin Suan who sought details on the annual savings generated through the targeted subsidy mechanism. Amir Hamzah said annual fiscal savings are estimated at between RM2.5 billion and RM4 billion depending on global crude oil prices, exchange rate movements and actual fuel consumption. Responding to a supplementary question from Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) recommendation that Malaysia gradually phase out fuel subsidies, Amir Hamzah said Putrajaya would continue with its targeted subsidy approach instead of removing assistance altogether. “We fully understand that the OECD has recommended the withdrawal of all subsidies but we cannot do that in this country. What is important is that we provide subsidies in a targeted manner rather than making abrupt changes as suggested by the OECD.” The OECD has urged Malaysia to gradually eliminate fuel subsidies as part of broader fiscal reforms, saying that the move would strengthen the government’s financial position as the country moves closer to high-income nation status. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: With ticket prices for the Formula One race in Sepang still under wraps, fans are urging organisers to introduce affordable MyKad and Madani rates to ensure that Malaysians can experience the championship’s first race at the circuit in nine years. Ticket prices have yet to be announced because Bahrain, which is hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from Oct 2 to 4, will determine pricing as it is to pay the estimated US$70 million to US$80 million (RM285.87 million to RM326.71 million) hosting rights fee and receive all ticket-sale revenue. Fans interviewed by theSun said entry-level tickets priced between RM250 and RM500 would be reasonable, while acknowledging that premium seats would inevitably cost more. Senior public relations associate Niraen Paranjothy, 24, said attending the race would be about more than just the action on the track. “Seeing names like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in Malaysia would be surreal. It’s the whole F1 atmosphere that I’ve been wanting to experience on home soil.” The Kuala Lumpur-based fan said activities such as fan zones, team activations, merchandise and opportunities to meet current and former drivers would make the event o Bahrain, which is hosting the Grand Prix in Malaysia, to determine pricing as it is to pay estimated hosting rights fee of over RM285m and receive all ticket-sale revenue Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

F1 representatives have completed an initial inspection of Sepang, with SIC confirming that the circuit does not require resurfacing. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

priced Madani tickets although these would not include premium seating. As of yesterday, official ticket prices and the sale date were yet to be announced, although SIC had previously indicated that sales could begin as early as the first week of August. Television programme producer Rofariz, 39, shared the excitement over Formula One’s return to Sepang but expressed hope that the race weekend would feature more fan activities and promotional events beyond the on-track spectacle. “Sepang is a favourite track among F1 fans around the world and I’m excited about the race. I want to experience the new era of F1. The regulations have changed and will provide a different experience from the last race in 2017.” He, however, expressed concern that Bahrain’s control over ticket pricing, coupled with Formula One’s commercial considerations following the earlier disruption of

Universiti Malaya STEM Centre director Assoc Prof Dr Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar said Formula One should be viewed not merely as entertainment but also as a powerful demonstration of STEM in action. “F1 embodies STEM in its most tangible form, through the mechanical engineering of the car, the physics of the circuit layout, the chemistry of fuels, the mathematics of speed and even the biology of the driver. even more memorable. Niraen said ticket prices ranging from RM300 to RM1,500 would be reasonable across different seating categories, but expressed hope that organisers would offer lower-priced MyKad or Madani tickets between RM250 and RM500 for general admission or selected grandstands. “Demand is much higher now, sponsorships are bigger than ever and F1 is ultimately a premium global product. While everyone wants affordable tickets, I think fans also understand that prices today won’t be what they were a decade ago.” On July 28, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif had said Bahrain would pay the hosting rights fee and receive all ticket-sale revenue, leaving the kingdom to decide ticket prices. He added that SIC is negotiating for a special MyKad rate. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also said the government is considering lower

two Middle Eastern races, could result in higher prices. Rofariz said tickets priced from RM450 onwards would be reasonable for regular seating but proposed that a limited allocation of one-day tickets be made available to Malaysians for about RM300. F1 representatives have completed an initial inspection of Sepang, with SIC confirming that the circuit does not require resurfacing. Improvements to runoff areas and supporting infrastructure are expected to be carried out. Formula One and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) announced on July 26 that Sepang would host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from Oct 2 to 4, marking the championship’s return to the circuit for the first time since 2017. The race will be held between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, subject to final agreements and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

‘Grand Prix offers boost for STEM and motorsport talent development’ KUALA LUMPUR: Formula One’s return to Malaysia is being hailed as more than a sporting spectacle, with educators and motorsport the world’s most technologically advanced sports. “These are the dimensions we need to highlight so that the younger generation sees F1 not just as entertainment but as a concrete application of STEM in action.” engineering, materials science, software programming, data analytics, race strategy, sports physiotherapy and occupational health and safety. Shafiq encouraged

professionals describing it as a rare opportunity to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The one-off Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, made possible by an unexpected change to the 2026 race calendar, is expected to showcase how cutting-edge science and engineering underpin one of

Her views were echoed by M’s Racing director and race engineer Shafiq Rosli, who said success in Formula One depends on multidisciplinary expertise rather than the driver alone. He said every member of a racing team, from engineers and technical crews to strategy specialists, plays a vital role in ensuring peak performance on race day.

She said exposure to Formula One could help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial applications, encouraging students to see STEM subjects as practical and relevant rather than purely theoretical. Mas Sahidayana said the motorsport industry also offers a broad range of careers beyond driving, including mechanical