{
  "id": 3234631,
  "title": "SIC to close temporarily from Sept 7 for F1 refurbishment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/sic-to-close-temporarily-from-sept-7-for-f1-refurbishment",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T09:20:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/08/1518571/sic-close-temporarily-sept-7-f1-refurbishment"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will be temporarily closed from September 7 for refurbishment works ahead of the Formula One (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix event, announced Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari. Dr Taufiq stressed that the Youth and Sports Ministry is coordinating operations to ensure the event proceeds smoothly. The refurbishment work covers the track, seating, restrooms, and other facilities, aiming to boost the nation's global image. The closure is set to commence on September 7, during which time the facility will be unavailable for rent. Three committees have been set up to manage the F1 race, with the technical committee meeting every Tuesday to report to the Cabinet. An agreement has been signed between SIC and the Bahrain International Circuit regarding ticket sales, parking, and logistics. The three-day F1 race, scheduled from October 2 to 4, is anticipated to bring positive economic benefits to the country. Following the race, a volunteer recruitment drive will be launched. The ministry remains focused on the health of national athletes, particularly amid the haze situation. The nationwide haze level showed a slight improvement, with the number of areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings dropping to 29. Taufiq presented a RM30,000 contribution to the Kedah Elite Media Club as a token of appreciation for media practitioners in the state.",
  "summary": "SUNGAI PETANI: Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will be temporarily closed from Sept 7 for refurbishment works ahead of the Formula One (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}