KUALA LUMPUR – The highly anticipated Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), set to take place from September 29 to October 6, is expected to see costs soar this year, exceeding RM 15 million.
National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Abdul Rashid Yaakub, who is also the organiser for this edition, explained that the cost increase is primarily due to logistical expenses associated with several routes, particularly as Miri and Bintulu are being included in the race route for the first time.
Despite this, Rashid said that the increased costs are not a major concern as they are currently negotiating with several parties to secure additional sponsorships for this year’s LTdL.
“I can’t reveal the exact figure, but the cost does exceed RM 15 million.
“We do have our budget in place, but budgets can change. From time to time, we’ll have to review it. But with RM 15 million, you could only organise about four or five stages.
“However, don’t try to calculate the entire cost of the race based on that. It’s not as straightforward as that. So, with RM 15 million, you might only get four or five stages, and possibly just on the peninsula.
“When you factor in Sabah and Sarawak, where we have to cross the sea, and Langkawi too, where there’s also a sea crossing, the logistics costs become significant.
“This year, our budget is more focused on logistics, which are slightly higher because we’re covering a greater distance. Naturally, the budget is somewhat larger this time,” said Rashid in a press conference held in Bukit Jalil today.
Last year, the NSC faced a tight budget while organising the race, receiving only RM8 million from the Youth and Sports Ministry.
The remaining funds were secured through sponsorships from various parties, including TikTok, Pace, and Dahua Technology, which provided equipment and communication services for LTdL 2023.
Due to cost constraints, last year’s race had to forgo the Langkawi stage, despite the irony that the race is named after the island.
This year, the NSC successfully secured a partnership with Tourism Malaysia as a strategic partner, with the agency sponsoring the polka dot jersey for the King of the Mountains.
Malaysian cyclist Nur Aiman Zariff made history by winning this jersey (formerly the red jersey) in two consecutive editions, first in 2020 with the Sapura Cycling Team (TSC) and then in 2022 with Terengganu Polygon Cycling (TSG). – August 26, 2024