KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has referred the fatal accident at the Sandakan Drag Battle 2024 to the police for further investigation.
The tragic incident claimed the life of 36-year-old Bruneian Abang Adib Abang Ali, who lost control of his Honda and skidded off the racing circuit as he crossed the finish line.
He later succumbed to his injuries at Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan, Sarawak.
Yeoh said that the event had not received approval from the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), despite the existence of guidelines aimed at preventing such accidents.
"I believe the incident is under police investigation as the necessary guidelines were already in place," she said.
"It is important that we ensure such incidents do not occur again, and the relevant authorities are looking into the matter."
Yeoh said that the accident highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of regulations in motorsports.
"The guidelines are there to ensure safety, and it is crucial that all events adhere to these rules," she added.
In August, MAM, in collaboration with the National Youth and Sports Department and the Youth and Sports Ministry, introduced comprehensive guidelines for drag racing and motocross events to ensure safer, more regulated motorsports activities.