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 issued a directive for this purpose as preparations for the race enter the final phase, covering circuit and safety preparedness, traffic and visitor management, and technological aspects.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar mentioned in a Facebook post, "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." He further emphasized the importance of cross-ministry and agency coordination during this critical period, stating that it must be at its best, with proper attention also given to the welfare and safety of the volunteers on duty throughout the event.

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 October 2 to 4. The SIC previously served as the venue for the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar due to 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.