Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Moto Day (SMD 8.0) is more than just a motorbike gathering — it has evolved into Borneo’s largest youth platform, drawing over 60,000 motorcycles from across Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Brunei, Kalimantan, and Peninsular Malaysia, according to Co-Chairman Datuk Mazlan Joehari Manan.
Addressing criticism that the event is merely a “funfair”, Mazlan emphasisd its broader purpose.
“SMD is a platform for youth to reject illegal racing and drug abuse through partnerships with the Anti-Drugs Squad and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),” he said in a statement on Friday.
Beyond social impact, SMD 8.0 also boosted the local economy, particularly for young entrepreneurs in the automotive sector, and promoted racial unity and financial literacy through support from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).
Mazlan acknowledged concerns about littering and isolated irresponsible behaviour, but urged critics to see the bigger picture.
“Yes, there were some shortcomings and we will continue improving. But these few incidents should not overshadow the massive benefits of the event.”The event received full backing from the State Government, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor officiating, leading prayers, and showing solidarity for the late Zara Qairina.
During the event, Hajiji also announced RM600,000 in aid to help 11,000 e-hailing drivers in Sabah open EPF accounts.
Mazlan, who also heads the Sabah Anti-Drugs Squad, said the Chief Minister’s attendance underscored that SMD is not just about entertainment, but a reflection of government empathy, youth empowerment, and social responsibility.
He dismissed comparisons to youth programmes in Sarawak, asserting that Sabah offers diverse avenues for youth development — from events like SMD to capacity-building programmes such as the SMJ Fellowship, Chief Minister’s Cup Oratory Competition, and Sabah Youth Assembly.
On continued criticism, Mazlan said: “Some detractors are simply out of ideas. We’re focused on building the future with the government and our youth. Let them complain — we’ll keep moving forward.”
Addressing criticism that the event is merely a “funfair”, Mazlan emphasisd its broader purpose.
“SMD is a platform for youth to reject illegal racing and drug abuse through partnerships with the Anti-Drugs Squad and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),” he said in a statement on Friday.
Beyond social impact, SMD 8.0 also boosted the local economy, particularly for young entrepreneurs in the automotive sector, and promoted racial unity and financial literacy through support from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).
Mazlan acknowledged concerns about littering and isolated irresponsible behaviour, but urged critics to see the bigger picture.
“Yes, there were some shortcomings and we will continue improving. But these few incidents should not overshadow the massive benefits of the event.”The event received full backing from the State Government, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor officiating, leading prayers, and showing solidarity for the late Zara Qairina.
During the event, Hajiji also announced RM600,000 in aid to help 11,000 e-hailing drivers in Sabah open EPF accounts.
Mazlan, who also heads the Sabah Anti-Drugs Squad, said the Chief Minister’s attendance underscored that SMD is not just about entertainment, but a reflection of government empathy, youth empowerment, and social responsibility.
He dismissed comparisons to youth programmes in Sarawak, asserting that Sabah offers diverse avenues for youth development — from events like SMD to capacity-building programmes such as the SMJ Fellowship, Chief Minister’s Cup Oratory Competition, and Sabah Youth Assembly.
On continued criticism, Mazlan said: “Some detractors are simply out of ideas. We’re focused on building the future with the government and our youth. Let them complain — we’ll keep moving forward.”