KBS Remains As LTdL Sponsor For Three-year Term

PUTRAJAYA, April 9 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari has confirmed that the ministry (KBS) will remain as the tournament sponsor for the prestigious 2026 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), scheduled to be held from Sept 27 to Oct 4.

He said the ministry had already obtained the Cabinet's approval to be the LTdL's sponsor for the next three years, starting this year.

"I presented a paper to the Cabinet on April 8 for the LTdL to be placed under KBS as the driver of the  programme, and we have also received recognition from the world governing body, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), as being one of the best organisers,” he told a press conference after the SUKMA 2026 Supreme Committee meeting at Menara KBS here today.

Previously, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) was expected to take over the organisation of the prestigious cycling race, replacing the National Sports Council (NSC), which had organised it for the past three years.

Former Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had said that KBS and MOTAC had held preliminary discussions to coordinate responsibilities between the two ministries, including the race's funding and promotional aspects.

Dr Mohammed Taufiq also said that the ministry, together with the NSC, is confident in its ability to host the race based on the experience gained from previous editions.

He added that this year's organisation would involve cross-ministry collaboration, particularly with MOTAC.

Elaborating, he said that this year's LTdL would cost RM12 million to run, and that funds would be sought from the National Sports Trust Fund (KWASN), excluding sponsors.

"For this year, the RM12 million cost will be used from the (KWASN) fund, and we will strive to get more sponsorships to make the hosting of the LTdL a success,” he said.

-- BERNAMA