Malaysia Studies Affordable MADANI F1 Tickets as Formula One Returns to Sepang After Nine Years
PORT DICKSON: The Malaysian government is exploring the introduction of lower-priced MADANI tickets for the Formula One (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix as part of efforts to make one of the world’s premier motorsport events more accessible to a wider segment of the public.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal reflects the principles of the Malaysia MADANI framework, which places emphasis on inclusivity and ensuring that major international events can be enjoyed by more Malaysians rather than a limited group of spectators.
Speaking during a gathering with Negeri Sembilan Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) leaders, Anwar acknowledged public requests for more affordable ticket options following the announcement that Formula One will return to the Sepang International Circuit after a nine-year absence.
The Prime Minister said the government is currently studying the proposal and indicated that, if implemented, the lower-priced tickets would provide wider access to the event, although premium seating would remain reserved for higher-priced categories.
He noted that spectators purchasing MADANI-priced tickets should not expect seats in the front rows, explaining that the initiative is intended to strike a balance between affordability and the commercial realities of hosting a world-class sporting event.
Beyond improving public access, Anwar said the return of Formula One is expected to generate substantial economic benefits across multiple industries.
He pointed out that hosting the championship would raise Malaysia’s international profile while stimulating tourism, aviation, hospitality and retail sectors through the arrival of thousands of international visitors, racing teams, sponsors and media representatives.
According to the Prime Minister, increased visitor arrivals are expected to boost hotel occupancy rates, strengthen passenger demand for airlines including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, and create wider business opportunities for local enterprises.
Anwar also said Malaysia’s successful bid to host the event reflects international confidence in the country’s stability and global reputation.
He noted that despite competition from numerous countries seeking to host Formula One races, Malaysia was selected because of its peaceful environment, stable economy and positive diplomatic relations with the international community.
The Prime Minister stressed that the long-term objective is to ensure the economic gains generated by hosting the race benefit the country through increased tourism spending, business activity and employment opportunities.
Malaysia is scheduled to host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct. 2 to 4, marking the return of Formula One to the venue for the first time since 2017.
Sepang previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix annually from 1999 until 2017 before the event was removed from the Formula One calendar due to rising hosting costs and licensing fees.
The planned return of Formula One is expected to re-establish Malaysia as a major destination for international motorsport while supporting broader efforts to strengthen the country’s tourism and events economy.
