Sepang:Forty local micro-entrepreneurs participating in the Litar Rasa MADANI Carnival, held alongside the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, were exempted from paying site rental and sales commissions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim announced that while the commercial rental rate at G Hillstand for the three-day event typically exceeded RM6,000, plus a 15 percent commission on gross sales, these charges were waived for the participating entrepreneurs. They were only required to pay RM180 for a business license to the Sepang Municipal Council.

The Minister highlighted that the entrepreneurs were provided with essential resources such as tents, tables, chairs, coolers, and fans, allowing them to concentrate on their stock, manpower, and business operations. This initiative aimed to ensure that the economic benefits of international events like F1 reached local small-scale entrepreneurs, offering MADANI Ticket holders affordable food options.

Sim emphasized that international events should not solely benefit large companies and that it is KUSKOP's responsibility to ensure small entrepreneurs have opportunities to participate. The event led to many traders needing to replenish their stocks multiple times, and visitors enjoyed F1 with reasonably priced food and drinks, helping entrepreneurs gain new customers.

The 40 micro-entrepreneurs recorded a total of RM555,000 in food and beverage sales, surpassing the initial target of RM500,000. The Litar Rasa MADANI area was designated for MADANI Ticket holders, with tickets priced at RM200 and 10,000 tickets specifically allocated for MyKad holders.

Over the event's duration from last Friday to Sunday, the stalls offered more than 100 food and beverage options, including popular local dishes. The venue also provided water refill stations, dining areas, and convenient access to toilets and a surau, enhancing the visitor experience.