By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 24: There is no plan to set up a drag racing circuit in Sibu, says Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said although he is a biker himself and is supportive of motorsports, but the Sarawak government must be rational when it comes to the idea of setting up a brand-new racing circuit facility.
“Personally, even if we want to set up a drag racing circuit, it will not be able to stop people from racing on the streets. The thrill is different.
“That is why I would say we would encourage the idea but probably now might not be the appropriate time to set it up,” he told a press conference in Baitul Makmur II here today.
Abdul Karim further said it is impossible to build a drag racing circuit in every division or city in the State especially when each circuit would cost about billions of Malaysian ringgit.
“If you feel like racing, just come down to Miri and Kuching but don’t keep asking for a racing circuit in your backyard. You have to be practical in things like this.
“There are so many other sports that we need to look into. Motor racing is not a category in the Olympics, Asian Games, SEA Games or Malaysian Games (Sukma),” he added.
Nevertheless, he said the Sarawak government will consider upgrading the existing motorsports facilities such as the motocross track in Sibu Jaya, Sibu as well as Miri Go-Kart Track in Permyjaya, Miri.
Abdul Karim was responding to a Sibu-born student who had asked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2023 event in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 21 on the possibility of setting up a drag racing circuit in Sibu.
At that time, the Premier stated that the Sarawak government is currently focusing its efforts on Sibu Urban Renewal Plan especially to address the flood woes in Bukit Assek.
For the motorsports industry, Abang Johari said two sites have been identified in Kuching and Miri for racing tracks apart from the ongoing construction of Sarawak Sports Village in the vicinity of the Sarawak Sports Complex in Petra Jaya here. — DayakDaily
