Kuala lumpur: The Immigration Department (JIM) is set to streamline immigration procedures for visas and related passes at Malaysia's entry points during the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this October. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban emphasized the department's collaboration with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to ensure efficient clearance procedures while adhering to security protocols.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zakaria highlighted the importance of providing exemplary service for the smooth organization of the Formula 1 event. He noted that JIM will coordinate with AKPS to facilitate entry point operations, focusing on visa and pass-related matters. Zakaria shared that Malaysia's previous experience hosting Formula 1 races drew over 100,000 spectators, with this year's event aiming to attract approximately 150,000 visitors.

Zakaria projected a possible influx of up to 300,000 foreign visitors based on attendance figures from Formula 1 events in countries like France and Japan. He stressed the need for efficient and swift immigration procedures to handle the anticipated surge in arrivals during the event.

To support the event, Zakaria mentioned JIM's proposal for several facilitative measures, including the use of the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for race crews, drivers, and other personnel, pending government approval. This initiative aims to expedite processing and ensure a seamless experience for all involved.

Formula 1, in collaboration with the F©d©ration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), announced that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix would take place at SIC from October 2 to 4, following a postponement from its original April schedule at the Bahrain International Circuit due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. SIC, a former host of the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017, was removed from the Formula 1 calendar due to increasing hosting costs and licensing fees.