SEPANG, Nov 1 — Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has clarified that a temporary staff member suspected of involvement in the illegal sale of counterfeit passes for the 2026 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) was arrested by police on October 31.

In a statement, SIC said the arrest was made by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) following an internal investigation conducted by the circuit in collaboration with the police and legal action was currently underway against the individual, who had been engaged as temporary staff specifically for the event.

“Contrary to online rumours, the individual involved is NOT Aqil. The suspect is a temporary staff member engaged specifically for this event,” the statement said.

The circuit further clarified that the passes in question had never been authorised for issuance or sale, as event passes were strictly reserved for authorised event personnel and were not available for public purchase.

The public has been advised against purchasing tickets or passes from social media sellers, scalpers or other unofficial sources to avoid falling victim to counterfeit passes.

SIC said all official tickets for the Malaysian MotoGP must be purchased exclusively through its official website at www.sepangcircuit.com.

The issue went viral on social media yesterday after claims emerged that counterfeit Perdana Suite passes for the Malaysian MotoGP were being sold at the circuit’s entrance for RM250.

Several social media posts highlighted the alleged scam, with one user claiming to have purchased a Perdana Suite pass for RM230 in the hope that it was legitimate. — Bernama