Bahrain F1 Grand Prix: Sepang MP flags shuttle bus, crowd management issues

SEPANG: Immediate measures are needed to address complaints related to crowd management and mobility at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) ahead of tomorrow's race day for the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Sepang member of Parliament Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said she had taken note of issues raised by fans who attended the first day of the F1 event, including long queues, shuttle bus delays, congestion and difficulties accessing basic facilities at the SIC.

She said she would visit the ground to assess the movement of visitors and get a clearer picture from the agencies and personnel involved in the management of the event.

She said F1 was not merely an international sporting event, but also showcased Sepang and Malaysia on the world stage.

"When there are shortcomings in mobility, crowd management, water supply and the movement of visitors in and out of the venue, these issues need to be addressed and improved immediately," she said in a statement today.

It was reported that the excitement of fans attending the event had turned into a nightmare when they had to wait for hours and jostle for shuttle buses to return home after the first day of the event yesterday. (hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1546641/bahrain-f1-grand-prix-fans-frustrated-shuttle-bus-chaos-watch)

Some visitors even walked almost 18km after growing tired of waiting in congestion and competing for seats on buses provided to take them out of the circuit area.

Several social media users claimed they had to wait up to three hours, or even longer, before managing to board a bus.

Aiman Athirah said she had also sought clarification on the shuttle bus operations, including capacity, frequency, high-demand locations and passenger management during peak periods.

She said immediate measures that needed attention included increasing bus capacity and frequency at congested locations, as well as dynamically reallocating buses based on passenger density and prevailing conditions.

"Queue control and crowd management personnel also need to be strengthened to ensure more orderly movement.

"In addition, signage and travel information need to be improved so they are clearer, easier to understand and help visitors choose their routes," she said.

She said sufficient drinking water and shaded areas, particularly at waiting areas, were also important to ensure visitors' comfort.

She said safe exit routes needed to be provided to prevent visitors from being exposed to traffic risks and congestion, while a dedicated crowd dispersal plan should be implemented immediately after the race ends.

Aiman Athirah said the approach was not aimed at finding fault with any party, but at ensuring visitors' safety, comfort and experience remained the priority.