Police say plan ahead: Five checkpoints, contra‑flow lanes and diversions as Sepang braces for F1 crowds

All vehicles heading to the Sepang International Circuit for the 2026 Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will undergo screening at five main locations, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 02 Oct 2026 9:40 AM MYT

Last Modified: Friday, 02 Oct 2026 9:44 AM MYT

SHAH ALAM, Oct 2 — All vehicles heading to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for the 2026 Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will undergo screening at five main locations to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the event.

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the locations are the route from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) toll plaza towards Jalan Pekeliling; from KLIA1 towards Jalan Pekeliling; before the Masjid Roundabout towards SIC; from Kota Warisan towards Labohan Dagang and Jalan KLIA1; and the junction of Jalan Kuarters KLIA towards SIC at the Enstek traffic lights.

“Vehicles heading to SIC will be screened for tickets, vehicle passes and access stickers before visitors are allowed to enter the circuit,” he told a press conference at the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters here yesterday.

Shazeli said 365 officers and personnel from the Selangor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) would be deployed for traffic control, congestion prevention patrols, law enforcement and VIP escort duties throughout the event.

The traffic operation will run from 9 am to 6 pm daily from today (Oct 2), with the main focus on the race this Sunday (Oct 4).

He said the parking facilities could accommodate 9,000 vehicles across 17 lots, as well as up to 100 buses at one time.

Authorities have also coordinated public transport services to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

“Some 200 e-hailing passes have been issued to Grab, while 100 passes have been allocated to Prestige Lane to pick up and drop off passengers at the Long Term Car Park (LTCP) and selected hotels.

“Mobility services have also been strengthened with 95 MyRapid shuttle buses operating from four pickup locations, along with 50 shuttle buses operated in partnership with Grab at two designated locations,” he said.

Shazeli advised visitors without parking tickets to leave their vehicles near the designated shuttle bus and e-hailing service locations to help ease traffic flow.

He said strict action, including summonses and vehicle towing, would be taken against those who flout the rules, particularly motorists who park on road shoulders in restricted areas.

A tidal flow or contra-flow system will also be implemented along about 13 kilometres of the route between the Masjid Roundabout and SIC.

Road users are advised to follow JSPT personnel’s instructions and comply with temporary signs, cones and lane controls throughout the operation.

“If congestion occurs outside the circuit, motorists travelling from north to south can use alternative routes via the ELITE Expressway, Saujana Putra exit, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and the KL-Seremban Toll Plaza. Another alternative is the ELITE Expressway, Putrajaya exit, MEX Expressway and the KL-Seremban Toll Plaza,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will control and divert heavy vehicles, including lorries, at eight checkpoints: Masjid Roundabout; the junction in front of the F1 Main Entrance; Jalan KLIA S8/Jalan Pekeliling; Jalan B48-Jalan 1266; Persiaran Teknologi 1-Persiaran Milenia 2; Persiaran Teknologi 2-Persiaran Seri Emas Utama; Jalan Merpati-Jalan Besar Salak; and Jalan Besar Salak-Jalan Kuarters KLIA.

Information on routes to SIC and KLIA during the F1 event will also be displayed on digital billboards at the KLIA Toll Plaza. The public are advised to follow instructions from traffic personnel, travel early and plan their journeys carefully.

Passengers using KLIA are also urged to leave earlier to avoid congestion and arrive at the airport on time. — Bernama