By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 10: Sarawak is planning to build a proper racing circuit for motorsports, possibly in Petra Jaya here, says Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu.
He said such a facility is important to provide an avenue for youth enthusiastic about motorsports, given the increasing number of illegal racing activities.
However, he noted that it would be impossible for the Ministry to set up a racing circuit in every division or city in the State.
“We have a (Miri Go-Kart Track) track in Permyjaya, Miri. So in Kuching, we plan to build another track, but it must be properly organised, and we encourage motorsports youth clubs to be established.
“Or else, who will take care or be responsible, since this (racing activity) has a lot of risks, and we do not want any unwanted incidents,” he said at a press conference after chairing the Sarawak-level National Youth Consultative Council (MPBN) meeting held at Imperial Hotel here today.
When asked about the location for the new racing track, he said the track is still in the planning stage but will “most likely it will be set up in Petra Jaya”.
He noted that racing activities are carried out on the temporary go-kart racing track at the car park adjacent to the Sarawak Stadium.
Rentap also mentioned that the motorsports field has different branches and practices where the related youth clubs would organise different activities.
He cited the recent SibuJaya Motocross Challenge 2022 held in Sibu as an example which saw dirt bike enthusiasts put their skills to test on a dirt track in the middle of the city.
The illegal racing issue was one of the five motions included in a proposal which will be brought up to MPBN at the national level.
The other four motions are to empower the management of youth clubs and associations, give incentives to active youth clubs and associations, open up employment opportunities to rural youths, and curb drug abuse among youth.
Also present were Sarawak Youth and Sports Department director Lamat Nyalau and deputy director (Youth Development) Ronnie Boniface Nugi. — DayakDaily
