THE previous government’s Budget 2023 provision of RM20 mil for the construction of a drag racing track in each state was never discussed or approved in Parliament, revealed the Youth and Sports Ministry.
According to a statement issued today (May 29), the RM20 mil allocation was never channelled to the Ministry as former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had dissolved the Parliament shortly after the Budget was tabled.
“Futhermore, the budget was announced without receiving data and feedback from the ministry. RM20 mil is insufficient for the construction of a drag racing track in every state,” it clarified.
“The ministry is very concerned about the people’s safety and does not want to build a track for the sake of just getting it done. There is no doubt that motorsports in the drag circuit is a good platform for youths to take part in, but the safety of racers, spectators and all involved must be given priority.”
The statement was issued in response to Ismail Sabri’s request that the government, through the ministry, continue with the construction of the drag racing track in each state planned by the previous administration.
In August last year, Ismail Sabri said Putrajaya planned to build drag racing circuits in every state to boost motorsports in the country.
The Youth and Sports Ministry stressed that it remains proactive in exploring solutions to ensure that motorsports events can continue to be hosted in a controlled and safe setting, considering the current financial constraints preventing the development of new circuits, especially drag racing tracks
“Among the initiatives undertaken are projects to upgrade and improve existing facilities under the ministry, such as the Sepang International Circuit and the Tangkak Racing Track in Johor,” it noted.
“The ministry is also working with the Motorsport Association of Malaysia (MAM) to ensure that operators and organisers of motorsport events can carry out their programmes at homologated circuits and by providing minimum specifications for temporary circuits.”
In the meantime, it stated that the ministry, with the support of MAM, is actively creating guidelines for motorsports, including drag racing, to create a safe and conductive atmosphere. – May 29, 2023
Main pic credit: Drag Illustrated
