PUTRAJAYA, Nov 12 — The Youth and Sports Ministry has no intention to privatise the organising of the prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), yet.

Its Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said deciding on allowing the private sector to organise the LTdL needs a careful study and must be given due consideration to maintain the standard and status of the LTdL.

“We do not want to give the organizing rights to a private organisation that will not be able to upkeep the excellence in organising a mega event like the prestigious LTdL which has won due recognition from the International Cycling Federation (UCI) for four consecutive years,” he said after launching the 19th LTdL edition at the Ministry's Multi Purpose Hall, here, today.

During the launch that was attended by Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) President Datuk Abu Samah Abdul Wahab and National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong, Khairy said the NSC had received UCI's 'Excellent Level of Organization' award for four consecutive years.

However, he did not rule out the possibility of such a move in the future, just like how the Monsoon Cup sailing event saw a transition from the government to private sector.

He added that such a move could reduce the government's cost for organising the event.

Khairy said the 19th LTdL would be held from Feb 27 to March 8, covering a distance of 1,506.5km. — Bernama