Sepang MotoGP Records Highest Ticket Sales Post-Pandemic As Police Arrest Two Over Pass Scam

SEPANG, Nov 2 – The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) recorded over 52,000 ticket sales for the 2026 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP), marking its highest sales figure since the COVID-19 pandemic and driving total spectator attendance to approximately 196,000 across the race weekend.

SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif disclosed on Monday, November 2, 2026, that 52,000 of the 56,000 tickets allocated were sold, demonstrating strong fan interest and bringing total attendance close to the organizer’s 200,000-spectator benchmark.

“Compared with previous years since COVID-19, this is the highest ticket sales figure we have ever achieved,” Shafriman stated following the conclusion of Sunday’s main race. “We came close to our target of 200,000 spectators and, insya-Allah, we will aim to achieve that next year.”

The landmark attendance figures were, however, accompanied by law enforcement action after police detained two suspects linked to the illegal sale of Premier Suite passes on the black market.

Shafriman confirmed that the unauthorized passes—which lacked valid barcodes—were believed to have been generated internally before being illegally offered for sale outside the circuit.

“So far, two suspects have been detained. They remain in remand, and investigations are ongoing,” Shafriman noted. “This should not have happened within our system, and we will tighten security measures moving forward.”

The police operation was triggered after internal intelligence alerted SIC security, leading to joint enforcement action alongside the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

The crackdown followed viral social media posts on Saturday alleging that fraudulent Premier Suite passes were being peddled at circuit gates for RM250 each.

Attendance Metrics, Fraud Investigation, and Security Protocols

Key commercial outcomes, law enforcement actions, and security updates include:

• Ticket Sales & Attendance Figures: 52,000 out of 56,000 available tickets sold; total spectator turnout reached approximately 196,000.
• Post-Pandemic Record Benchmark: Highest ticket sales volume achieved by SIC since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted.
• Black Market Pass Arrests: PDRM detained two suspects on remand for allegedly selling unbarcoded Premier Suite passes internally leaked to scalpers.
• Scalping Price & Security Measures: Fake passes were advertised for RM250 at venue entry gates; SIC committed to upgrading pass issuance and access control systems.

-NMT