State funding stumps LTdL plans

BINTULU: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is urging state governments to contribute financially to organise the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) next year.

According to its Minister Hannah Yeoh, while many states have expressed interest in collaborating on the event, they have been reluctant to provide financial support.

“Most states only offer venues and race routes but not funding,” she told a press conference at Lasar Kenyalang today (Oct 6).

“This is a major obstacle in organising such events.”

Yeoh explained that LTdL is a valuable platform for states to showcase their unique attractions but securing state funding remains a challenge.

Despite these difficulties, KBS managed to revive LTdL in Langkawi this year after facing cost constraints in the previous year.

For LTdL 2024, KBS and the National Sports Council (MSN) allocated RM12 million, while sponsors like Petronas, Tourism Malaysia, Bubbles O2, Bintulu Port, and Motoshoot contributed a total of RM8.1 million.

Yeoh thanked all parties involved in the event’s success, including the security forces and the state government.

The race featured 22 teams, including three world-class teams, and covered a total distance of 1,190 kilometres across eight stages.