KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has reminded motorsports organisers that the police can take action against them if they do not obtain sanctioning for their events.
Yeoh said she was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Bruneian Abang Adib Abang Ali during the Sandakan Drag Battle 2024 event on Dec 14.
The Team Prostreet KB driver suffered serious injuries after losing control of his car and crashing during the event.
"I would like to express my condolences to the family of the driver," said Yeoh today (Dec 17).
"The Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) have issued a statement confirming that this event (Sandakan Drag Battle) was not sanctioned by them.
"We have issued clear guidelines and have also simplified the sanctioning process in a bid to reduce incidents such as this, and yet they are still happening.
"We have made it very clear that all competitions such as this need to be sanctioned. If there are organisers who refuse to follow this, action will be taken by the police.
"As for this (Sandakan Drag Battle), I believe it is currently being investigated by the police. MAM are also in discussion with the organisers and will also be investigating the incident.
"Once the investigations are concluded, I will ask MAM to issue an update."
Events sanctioned by MAM, the governing body for motorsports in Malaysia, must adhere to strict safety requirements to ensure the safety of competitors, crew members and staff as well as spectators.
Numerous fatalities have occurred in both car and motorcycle motorsports events - especially in drag racing - over the past decade.
MAM and KBS had in August issued new guidelines for the organisation of drag and motocross events to combat safety issues in motorsports.