KOTA MARUDU: Sabah should have a special circuit for motorcycle ‘drag’ racing in an effort to empower motor sports in this region which is generally of interest to the youth.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam said he will discuss the proposal with the responsible ministry and relevant parties.
“If realised, I see that it will give motor sports fans, especially the youth, an opportunity to get involved more seriously in motor sports through the right channels.
“Drag racing may not be too dangerous compared to track racing because it only requires a shorter and straighter road, so I think the youth’s request for a circuit to be built is sensible.
“It is also understood that there are only two ‘drag’ circuits in the country, namely in Terengganu and Melaka,” he said when officiating the Kota Marudu Bike Fest, here, Sunday.
In the same development, Ruslan also suggested to the Youth and Sports Ministry to organise programmes related to motorcycle and car sports development at the grassroots level.
He said the initiative can provide opportunities for the youth to get education through training, courses or clinics, thereby unearthing the country’s motor athlete talents to participate in tournaments and races at the State and National levels.
“I personally support the activities of motoring clubs, especially those involved in charity programmes to help people in distress such as flood victims and so on, as well as reduce unhealthy activities on the streets.
“Perhaps it can be organised again in my area in the future and at the same time charity work can be carried out to help the community which I think can remove negative perceptions of motorcyclists,” he said.
A total of 2,000 motor sports enthusiasts from all over Sabah involving 12 motorcycle clubs participated in the programme which was also attended by motor sports icon and artist Zul Huzaimy Marzuki.
