SEPANG – The Driving Experience Centre (DEC) in Sepang will be the first driving experience facility in Southeast Asia.
With the likes of a similar centre in China, the United Kingdom, and Germany, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said that once ready, the facility can further promote the country as the leading motorsport and leisure hub in Southeast Asia.
“Malaysia has always had high potential in motorsports. We used to have former Formula One racer Alex Yoong and former rally racer Karamjit Singh. This means we have quite a lot of talent in this sport.
“What we need now is more exposure and involvement from private or corporate parties to sponsor our riders. If we can get more sponsors, we can go further in motorsports,” Faizal added when met at the DEC groundbreaking ceremony at the Sepang International Kart Circuit today.
Faizal said he believes that when construction work for the DEC is completed – estimated to be by June next year – the facility will attract visitors from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, which will eventually translate into economic opportunities for the country.
The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, Motorsports Association of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chairman Tan Sri Azman Yahya, and SIC executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif.
He added that all parties can use the centre – not just to highlight potential talents in motorsports, but also for those who wish to learn to be safe drivers.
Meanwhile, Azhan added that the DEC project is one of the components of SIC’s five-year projected strategic business plan approved by the board of directors in 2014.
The project grant has been allocated by the government through the 12th Malaysia Plan budget and the construction work is expected to be completed by June next year.
“There is no other facility like this in Southeast Asia. The nearest after Sepang would be China, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
“While our main circuit focuses on racing events, the DEC circuit is more focused on driving skills and safety.
“I hope this facility will present an interesting prospect to all those thinking about the safety aspect of driving,” Azhan said.
The facility will be developed on a 28ha piece of land used for drivers to improve their skills in operating vehicles.
The DEC will also be equipped with facilities such as a 1.5km handling circuit, skid circle, hydraulic skid plate and dynamic staging area that will enable visitors to test their competencies and abilities. – The Vibes, June 14, 2022
