Malaysia will host the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, following a collaboration with Bahrain after the race's original April date was postponed due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia [1, 2, 3]. The Sepang Circuit, which hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017, is preparing to attract about 150,000 visitors, with potential foreign visitor numbers reaching 300,000 based on recent F1 race attendance in France and Japan [1, 2, 3].
The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) will work with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to ensure smooth visa and pass clearance for the influx of race crews, drivers, and related personnel [1, 2, 3]. Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, representing the department, said, "We must provide the best possible service to ensure the smooth organisation of the Formula 1 event." JIM has proposed using the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for personnel involved, pending government approval [1, 2, 3].
In recent enforcement efforts, authorities cracked down on two passport forgery syndicates. On August 5, the Immigration Department arrested three Indonesian nationals, including the suspected mastermind, in Kuala Lumpur. The group altered passports to help foreigners pass mandatory foreign worker health screenings (Fomema), charging RM80 to RM130 per forged passport. During the raid, 119 forged passports from countries including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Nepal, and India were seized, alongside equipment and RM1,500 in cash [4, 5].
A separate operation on August 6 at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Johor arrested three suspects linked to a "flying passport" syndicate. This group collected passports from foreign nationals without their presence during entry, then created false records in JIM's system. They charged RM700 per passport. Authorities seized mobile phones, premise keys, jewelry, Immigration security stamps, and RM20,000 in cash [6, 7].
Datuk Zakaria Shaaban affirmed, "Firm action will be taken to curb any activities that violate the law to ensure the country's stability and prosperity continue to be safeguarded." These arrests come as Malaysia mobilizes security and immigration resources ahead of the high-profile Formula 1 event [7].
