Kuala lumpur: The organisers of the 2025 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) have assured that rider safety will be improved through full compliance with the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOPs). National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin said that a series of meetings with all stakeholders, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), have been held to review the safety aspects throughout the race.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, with the experience gained since 2023, safety issues have not arisen. The police have also increased their presence to ensure that the race is well-controlled. Additionally, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has its own SOPs that must be adhered to, and the organisers are committed to following all guidelines set by both UCI and PDRM.

On September 6, a participant in the 2025 Langkawi Legendary Ride (LLR) died in an accident while cycling on Jalan Kuala Muda. Low Beng Seng, 28, succumbed to severe head injuries at the scene after veering into the opposite lane and colliding with an oncoming car. This incident has underscored the importance of maintaining stringent safety measures.

Meanwhile, LTdL chief operating officer (COO) Emir Abdul Jalal stated that the cost of this year’s edition is approximately RM19.5 million, with RM7.5 million covered through sponsorship. Notably, BubblesO2 has contributed RM1 million in cash and kind as the sponsor of the King of the Mountains polka dot Jersey. He emphasized that every cent from government grants and sponsors is allocated directly to operations, security, infrastructure, and logistics.

He also mentioned that preparations this year are expected to be smoother, as the tour peloton will only need to cross the sea once to Langkawi, compared to multiple crossings last year. This logistical simplification is anticipated to contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of the event.