JPJ Tracks Illegal Motorcycle Ride-Hailing Services Around Sepang F1 Circuit

Authorities are investigating unlicensed motorcycle ride-hailing operators who offered transport services to F1 spectators around the Sepang International Circuit and nearby areas.

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The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is tracking down individuals and groups allegedly offering illegal motorcycle ride-hailing services to visitors attending the Formula One (F1) Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) last weekend.

According to Berita Harian, the operators were promoting their services through various social media platforms, offering rides from several locations to SIC, as well as between the circuit and nearby parking areas. 

Both car and motorcycle transport services were advertised, although motorcycles appeared to be a popular choice among spectators looking to avoid heavy traffic congestion around the circuit.

On Threads, some riders reportedly offered trips between Mitsui Outlet Park Sepang and SIC for RM10 each way. Others advertised motorcycle taxi services, commonly known as “gojek”, with fares of around RM10 for journeys between Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) and SIC.

Some operators were also reportedly charging as much as RM80 for a 10-kilometre journey from Mitsui Outlet Park to a Petronas station near the circuit’s main entrance. Several operators were said to provide helmets for passengers as part of the service.

While the services offered a quicker alternative for spectators facing congested roads, the illegal operation of unlicensed motorcycle taxis also raised safety and regulatory concerns, particularly in the event of an accident or other unforeseen incidents.

JPJ is understood to be conducting enforcement operations around SIC and several hotspots near the circuit and KLIA. Authorities are also taking action based on information and advertisements that have gained traction on social media.

The enforcement comes after thousands of spectators travelled to the Sepang area for the F1 event, with severe traffic congestion around the circuit becoming one of the major challenges throughout the weekend.

The issue also comes after authorities introduced new traffic management measures ahead of the event. As part of the plan, motorcyclists were prohibited from entering the SIC area in an effort to ensure smoother traffic movement and manage the large volume of visitors.

The traffic management operation was carried out in cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), with vehicles directed to designated areas around the circuit.

With motorcycles restricted from entering the SIC grounds, some spectators reportedly turned to unofficial motorcycle transport services to move between parking areas, nearby locations and the circuit.

JPJ’s latest enforcement operation is expected to focus on identifying operators who are offering passenger transport services without the necessary approvals, particularly around major access points and locations where spectators gather.

For visitors attending major motorsport events at SIC, authorities continue to advise the public to follow the designated traffic arrangements and use authorised transport options to ensure safer and smoother movement around the circuit.