KUALA LUMPUR: The Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) have confirmed that the Sandakan Drag Battle R3 held yesterday (Dec 14) was not sanctioned by the national governing body.
Driver Abang Adib Haji Abang, from Brunei's Team Prostreet KB, tragically lost his life after his car crashed during the event.
MAM issued a statement today reminding motorsports organisers to sanction their events. This is to ensure that such events adhere to the required safety standards.
"MAM is deeply saddened by the loss of Abang Adib Haji Abang," said MAM.
"Unfortunately, the Sandakan Drag Battle R3 was not approved nor sanctioned by MAM and the organiser is also not an affiliate of MAM.
"Organisers and participants should both ensure that their events or the events they are participating in are sanctioned.
"Events sanctioned by MAM are run according to general and technical guidelines that have been put in place by FIA and FIM (world bodies) to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators."
Numerous fatalities have occurred in unsanctioned drag races, both in motorcycle and car events, in Malaysia over the past decade.
MAM together with the Youth and Sports Ministry had in August issued two new guidelines for the organisation of drag and motocross events to combat safety issues in motorsports.