Kuala lumpur: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohammed Taufiq presented a paper to the Cabinet on April 8 for the LTdL to be placed under KBS as the driver of the programme. The ministry has also received recognition from the world governing body, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), as being one of the best organisers. He shared this information during a press conference after the SUKMA 2026 Supreme Committee meeting at Menara KBS.

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 indicated that KBS and MOTAC held preliminary discussions to coordinate responsibilities between the two ministries, including the race's funding and promotional aspects.

Dr Mohammed Taufiq also expressed confidence in the ministry's ability to host the race, alongside the NSC, based on the experience gained from previous editions. He mentioned that this year's organisation would involve cross-ministry collaboration, particularly with MOTAC.

Elaborating further, Dr Mohammed Taufiq stated that this year's LTdL would cost RM12 million to run, with funds 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.