RM500,000 fine for unsanctioned races not enforced, more will follow suit - Former MotoGP racer

SHAH ALAM - Former national MotoGP racer Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini has called for the Youth and Sports Ministry to be firmed in doling out strict actions against organisers of unsanctioned motorsport events.

In Sinar Daily’s latest Sports Matter podcast, Shahrol contended certain unscrupulous parties have intentionally neglected to seek official sanction for their events from the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).

The Kuala Lumpur Motor Sports Association President claimed that in doing so, organisers can effectively lower the cost to organise their unsanctioned races.

“Early this year, the Minister (Hannah Yeoh) said that organisers of unsanctioned motorsports events will be fined RM500,000, but now where’s the enforcement?” Shahrol asked.

He was referring to the unsanctioned Sept 4 drag race in Pekan, Pahang, organised by MUSC Motorsports which garnered notoriety following the fatal accident of drag racer Hattem Rashdi.

“If no one gets fined because of organising unsanctioned races then, many more will follow suit and organise the same thing and this issue will never be resolved,” said Shahrol.

Last year, MUSC Motorsports also held an unsanctioned race in Gong Badak, Terengganu, which had to be stopped immediately after one of its participants died after crashing into a tree.

In the podcast, Shahrol said the cost of sanctioning can be up to RM10,000, which he concurred was a rather hefty price tag.

“MAM should sit and discuss with event organisers on a more affordable price but then again, motosports has always been an expensive sport,” Shahrol stressed, adding that modified drag bikes can easily fetch up to RM100,000.

He also believed that the ministry should also form a synergy with the police force to put a stop to unsanctioned races -- which he deemed essentially illegal due to non-compliance with MAM.

“Upon alert by the ministry, the police can be dispatched to a motorsports event and request the organiser to furnish the proper sanctioning documents and if there is none, then it should be shut down,” said Shahrol.