GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government today said no parties had expressed interest in its plans to build a motor sport circuit in Batu Kawan.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government had called for a request for proposal (RFP) for the circuit last year, but no companies responded.
"We have tried, as we know such efforts will avert any untoward incidents, such as last Sunday's, which claimed five lives, but no one came forward to respond to the RFP," he said when asked if the state government planned to build a racing circuit.
It was reported last year that the state had earmarked a 2.8ha plot next to the state stadium complex in Batu Kawan for the motor sport facility.
It was among the projects in the state Pakatan Harapan manifesto for the 14th General Election, which envisaged turning the area into a sport city.
Five motorcyclists were killed in the crash on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway on Sunday.
One of the two injured has been discharged, and another transferred to a private hospital.
Police said several motorcyclists were believed to have been illegally racing at 4am when some of them lost control and rammed into each other.
Two cars were also rammed from behind by several motorcyclists.
Prior to the incident, police patrols were cracking down on illegal racing.
Chow also advised parents to monitor their children's activities to prevent unwanted incidents.
"Parents should play an important role in monitoring their children's activities, and not just rely on the authorities. We believe, police often take action to curb illegal racing but it is still happening.
"Therefore, this problem needs joint action, rather than relying on the authorities. In addition, a massive awareness campaign is needed to ensure young people are aware of the risks of racing," he added.
Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader called on the authorities to end the "mat rempit menace".
He said illegal racing had been going on for decades.
Mohideen said a multi-agency task force should be set up to look into criminalising motorcycle modifications, confiscate motorcycles used in illegal races, and those guilty of illegal racing be made to perform social work, as practised by Singapore under the Corrective Work Order (CWO).