Sepang F1 event sees high food prices and micro-entrepreneur success

Controversy has emerged regarding high food and beverage prices at the Formula 1 Grand Prix held at the Sepang International Circuit. Social media reports indicated that items such as chicken rice were priced at RM50, while drinks like iced Milo or fruit juices reached RM25, and mango with asam boi was listed at RM30. Additionally, rental rates for business sites during the event were reported to range from RM6,250 to as high as RM29,975, with a 15 percent commission on gross sales.

In contrast, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Steven Sim reported that 40 local micro-entrepreneurs participating in the Litar Rasa Madani at the G Hillstand area generated RM555,000 in sales over three days. Unlike other vendors, these specific entrepreneurs were not charged site rental or sales commissions, paying only a RM180 business license fee to the Sepang Municipal Council. Sim stated that this initiative aimed to ensure international events provide economic opportunities for small local businesses while offering affordable food options to Madani Ticket holders.