PUTRAJAYA, Aug 7 — The Immigration Department (JIM) will ensure that immigration procedures involving visas and related passes at the country’s entry points run smoothly during the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this October.

Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the department would work closely with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to ensure clearance procedures at the country's entry points are carried out efficiently while complying with all security requirements.

“We must provide the best possible service to ensure the smooth organisation of the Formula 1 event.

“For entry point operations, we will work with AKPS to ensure clearance procedures are carried out smoothly. The role involves matters relating to visas and passes,” he said at the department’s monthly assembly here today.

Drawing on Malaysia's experience as a former Formula 1 host, Zakaria said previous races attracted more than 100,000 spectators, while organisers are targeting about 150,000 visitors for this year’s event.

He said the number of foreign visitors could reach 300,000, based on attendance recorded at several Formula 1 races in countries such as France and Japan.

“This event could attract as many as 300,000 foreign tourists and visitors. Therefore, immigration procedures must be efficient and swift to ensure everything proceeds smoothly,” he said.

Zakaria said JIM had proposed several measures to facilitate the event, including arrangements involving the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for race crews, drivers and other related personnel, subject to government approval.

Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) previously announced that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix would be held at SIC from October 2 to 4 as part of a collaboration between Malaysia and Bahrain.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in April before being postponed to October due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

SIC hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the Formula 1 calendar due to rising hosting costs and licensing fees. — Bernama