Langkawi:Langkawi might be reintroduced as a stage in the prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling race next year, as suggested by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is committed to making this proposal a reality. The decision to exclude the duty-free island from this year's LTdL route was due to budget constraints arising from government cost-cutting measures in response to the global supply crisis.

Dr Mohammed Taufiq explained that cost-saving measures were necessary, leading to a scaled-down version of the LTdL this year. Incorporating Langkawi would entail significant expenses, particularly in transportation. He made these remarks while concluding the debate on the Sports Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat, where the Bill was passed without amendments following a voice vote by 31 government and opposition MPs.

Earlier, during the debate, Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) questioned the exclusion of Langkawi from the 2026 route, given its strong association with the LTdL brand.

In another matter, Dr Mohammed Taufiq addressed the age limit for Para SUKMA athletes, which is currently set between 12 and 40 years. This issue will be revisited at the SUKMA Supreme Committee meeting later this year, with discussions involving various stakeholders like state youth and sports executive councillors, the National Sports Council, and the Malaysian Paralympic Council, among others. The aim is to ensure a larger pool of emerging athletes and provide early exposure to major Games.

The parliamentary sitting was adjourned until 10 am the following day.