Malaysia's Economic Impact from F1 Race and New Initiatives for Palestine

The recent Formula 1 (F1) race held at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4 attracted about 261,000 fans, including an estimated 103,000 on race day, and was viewed by 827 million people worldwide. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari said more than 50,000 international tourists and about 5,000 foreign workers came to Malaysia for the event. The presence of overseas spectators also increased revenue for the tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors, benefiting local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well.

Dr Taufiq noted that the government had yet to determine whether hosting the event was worthwhile, as a cost-benefit assessment was still under way. The Sepang International Circuit previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 until 2017, when it was removed from the calendar due to rising costs and licensing fees. In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the Bahrain Grand Prix following an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. The agreement kept the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

“The presence of overseas spectators also increased revenue for the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.”Dr Taufiq Johari, Youth and Sports Minister

Malaysia's Commitment to Palestine

Malaysia has offered to lead the implementation of the Sumud Protocol, aimed at enhancing global humanitarian efforts for the Palestinian people. This proposal was presented by Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, chairman of the Malaysian Parliamentary Caucus on Palestine, during the Global Sumud Parliamentary Congress in Brussels. The initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) for international aid, ensuring that all actions are coordinated and impactful.

“Syed Ibrahim emphasized that when there is uniformity and unity that transcends positions, it marks a significant turning point.”Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of the Malaysian Parliamentary Caucus on Palestine

Syed Ibrahim said Malaysia is ready to lead and implement the Sumud Protocol and wants a more structured approach where all global actions follow a clear SOP to ensure greater impact on the Palestinian cause. He emphasized the importance of unity across different sectors and highlighted the need for collective support from various stakeholders, including parliamentarians and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to apply pressure on those violating human rights, particularly in Palestine and Lebanon.

The Malaysian government is also exploring media initiatives to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause, with plans for a mini-television series related to the Global Sumud Flotilla. Communication Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil expressed support for these efforts, indicating that the ministry would collaborate to ensure the message of humanitarian solidarity reaches a broader audience.