Desaru Coast will open a new karting circuit by the end of 2026 following a RM10 million lease and build investment structure by Singapore-based Arina International Holding Pte Ltd, the company supporting the Singapore F1 circuit since 2008 and behind the iconic 960-metre KF1 Kranji circuit in Singapore.
Through the leasing agreement, the new circuit at Desaru Coast will add a major new sports and leisure attraction for holidaymakers to enjoy and major events to be held.
Construction has begun on the circuit at Riverside, where it will form the centrepiece of The Sports Arina, an integrated sports and leisure development for both adults and children. Plans include a competitive karting circuit equipped with professional-grade karts and a timing system, as well as its popular air-conditioned indoor KF KIDDY CIRCUIT designed for children aged four to 12.
The development will also feature spectator seating, dining spaces and merchandise outlets. It will complement the three outdoor pickleball courts that Arina International opened at Riverside in July 2026, with three additional courts planned and padel facilities as part of the next phase, expanding the range of sporting experiences available at Desaru Coast.
Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Izrin Hashim said the investment demonstrated private-sector confidence in Desaru Coast and supported its evolution into a destination offering experiences beyond accommodation.
“Desaru Coast is emerging as an active leisure destination where visitors can combine a resort stay with sport, recreation and family experiences. With our expanding portfolio as an international venue for large-scale sporting events and activities, The Sports Arina builds on this momentum by introducing new activities that complement our existing resorts, golf courses, waterpark and beachfront attractions. The investment also reflects the opportunities for regional businesses to participate in Desaru Coast’s continued development,” he said.
The karting circuit is intended to cater to recreational drivers, corporate groups and motorsport enthusiasts, with race packages and organised events among the experiences being planned. The kiddy circuit will offer young drivers a safety-focused introduction to karting, with individual sessions and birthday packages planned.
Arina International Chairman Richard Tan said the company selected Desaru Coast because its accessibility and established international tourism infrastructure provided a strong foundation for the new facility.
“We see strong potential for karting at Desaru Coast and are confident that the destination can attract recreational drivers and experienced enthusiasts from Malaysia and Singapore. Our existing circuit in Johor Bahru is popular among Singaporeans, and we want to elevate that experience at Desaru Coast by combining it with wider ecosystem of hospitality, attractions, sports and leisure facilities. Drawing on our experience in karting and sports facilities, we intend to create a professionally operated circuit with the equipment and timing capabilities to serve both groups,” he said.
Arina International owns and operates the KF1 Karting brand and has five kiddy karting outlets across Johor and Kuala Lumpur. The group also manages sports facilities in Singapore, including The Sports Arina at Jalan Kayu, which is gaining strong traction, with a new facility at Piccadilly scheduled to launch in early 2027. These city-based facilities demonstrate the appeal of bringing multiple sporting activities together in one location – an experience the group aims to complement at Desaru Coast with the added draw of a resort holiday. Arina International also supports the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix through the delivery of temporary infrastructure, including hospitality facilities, track lighting and event-support spaces.
The Sports Arina development adds to Desaru Coast’s range of sports and family attractions, creating an integrated destination where adults and children can enjoy activities within the same area. Families will be able to combine pickleball and the kiddy circuit at Riverside with a visit to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, while the destination also offers The Els Club Desaru Coast’s 45 holes of golf across the Ocean Course, designed by Ernie Els, and the Valley Course, designed by Vijay Singh.
Set along 17 kilometres of beachfront in southeastern Johor, Desaru Coast spans approximately 4,000 acres and is home to four international resort brands: Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast; Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas; The Westin Desaru Coast Resort; and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. The destination is accessible from Singapore by road and ferry, and from Kuala Lumpur by road or by air via Senai International Airport.
