KUALA LUMPUR: The presence of grid girls at MotoGP events is determined by the event organiser, says the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Minister Hannah Yeoh said the events are organised by Spain-based company Dorna Sports S.L. while the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) only serves as the venue provider.
"Grid girls on duty at events are determined by the organiser Dorna Sports. This includes marketing, broadcasting and advertising the teams.
"SIC only functions as the facility and amenities provider on the track," she said in a written reply on Thursday (Feb 6).
Yeoh said the ministry, though SIC, always engages with organisers to improve the quality and content of the championships in the country while taking into account the cultural and religious sensitivities in the country.
She also reiterated the importance of protecting cultural and religious sensitivities in the country.
Yeoh added that MotoGP programmes last year attracted 184,923 fans to SIC with more than 18,000 being foreign tourists.
According to an economic impact study conducted by SIC in 2022, Yeoh said the event also contributed more than RM150mil to the local economy.
Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) asked whether the ministry intends to “put an end” to the practice of grid girls dressed in revealing attire at motorsports events held by the ministry or government-linked companies.
