KUALA LUMPUR – The process to obtain safety approval for motorsports events is flawed and needs fixing, said Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir.
This comes after the organisers for the CCT Battle of Champions race, which saw a spectator being hit and killed by a race car that lost control during the race, explained to MAM and the Youth and Sports Ministry how the event was organised and about the incident.
“From the organiser’s explanation, it is understood that the approval process needs to be improved and tightened,” Mokhzani said today at a motorsports event held at the Speedway PLUS Karting Circuit in Subang Jaya.
However, Mokhzani said that MAM was not involved in the racing event in Pasir Salak as the organisers did not get approval from the sports body.
“We were not aware of the event and that was why we could not monitor the race to ensure it adhered to the safety guidelines. The spectators should not be anywhere near the racetrack. The incident would not have happened if the spectator was not near the racetrack,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mokhzani added that many motorsports events only get approval from the police but under the pretext of organising a gathering and not a motorsports activity.
“Because of this, it is difficult for us to monitor and ensure that safety precautions are taken.
At the same time, he also questioned the event organisers on their reluctance to get approval from MAM.
“I am surprised as the cost to have a local motorsports event sanctioned is only RM3,000. So, why are they so reluctant? Now that someone has died at the event, who is supposed to bear that cost?
“If it is a MAM-sanctioned event, we will ensure that the safety of the participants and spectators are prioritised, and the event will also be insured.
“By getting their event sanctioned by the MAM, it is assured that the circuit will adhere to the safety requirements because we will make sure of it,” he added.
At the same event, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the ministry and MAM are working together to tighten the rules and processes for organisers to obtain the licence or permit to hold events at racetracks all over the country. – The Vibes, January 27, 2023
