Ministries and agencies must expedite, facilitate pending matters, approvals for F1 race – KSN

KUALA LUMPUR: All relevant ministries and agencies have been urged to expedite and facilitate pending matters and approvals ahead of the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, which is about three weeks away.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said via a Facebook post that the directive was issued as preparations for the race enter the final phase, covering circuit and safety preparedness, traffic and visitor management, and technological aspects.

“In the Main Committee meeting this afternoon, I requested all ministries and agencies to expedite and facilitate all pending matters and approvals without compromising procedures, security, and protocols.

“Cross-ministry and agency coordination during this critical period must be at its best, with proper attention also given to the welfare and safety of the volunteers on duty throughout the event,” he said.

Malaysia is set to witness F1 action return to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) after nine years, through the hosting of the F1 Bahrain GP from Oct 2 to 4.

SIC previously served as the venue for the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar following rising hosting costs and licensing fees.

The return of the prestigious race to Malaysia is the result of successful diplomacy between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain.