KUALA NERUS: The Government plans to build a drag racing circuit in all states to enhance development of motor sports in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the proposal would be included in the 2023 Budget, to be tabled this October.
“So far, two drag circuits have been built, in Terengganu and Melaka,” he said when opening the 2022 RXZ Members 4.0 Programme at the Terengganu International Drag Strip in Gong Badak, here, Saturday.
He said with the facility available, it would give youths the opportunity to participate in motor sports activities through proper channels.
Ismail Sabri also called on the young people to participate in the [email protected] 2022, which is a grassroots motoring development programme, involving the development of motorcycle and car sports organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
By participating in the programme, he said, they could gain knowledge, through training, courses and clinic, adding that the programme would also help in scouting new talents for participation in motor tournaments and racing at the state and national level.
The Government, he said, would also always support activities by motoring clubs, especially in helping help those affected by hardship, such as flood victims.
“Many motoring clubs are involved in charity work. During the flood, they helped to clean houses of flood victims. Perhaps we can organise (a gathering of riders) every year and the Government can provide sponsorship.
”In this way, we can highlight the interest of the young people, hence, reduce the negative perception of riders associated with various names such as Mat Motor,” he added.
Before ending his speech, Ismail Sabri congratulated the organiser of Saturday’s event, which attracted more than 30,000 motoring fans across the country.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said he had already had a meeting with Perikatan Nasional (PN) representatives two weeks ago.
He said the meeting that took place during the final week of the Dewan Rakyat session at the Parliament building was attended by PN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and PN Treasurer Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
“There has already been (a meeting). Bersatu presented their views and I also presented mine...so that’s about it,” he said.
Ismail Sabri said the matter had also been announced when he officiated Maha 2022 on Aug 6, and that it need not be raised again.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Government was currently focused on resolving the people’s issues and restoring the country’s economy.
“People want to hear more about this (resolving people’s issues). Let us focus on the people’s issues. That is more important.”
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