MAM Issues A Media Statement Following Death At BOTK 2022 Drag Event

The Motorsports Association Of Malaysia (MAM), has finally released a press statement following the death of Apeh Jamal during the Battle Of The Kings (BOTK) 2022 drag event which was held at the Gong Badak Track, Terengganu. This comes after much public pressure from all parties calling out MAM as the only official motorsports regulatory body in Malaysia. 

According to MAM, the BOTK 2022 drag was not a sanctioned event. MAM further added that the “drag facility” at Gong Badak would only be sanctioned by MAM for 2-wheeled circuit events such as the Petronas Malaysian CubPrix. Even that would only be sanctioned with additional safety requirements implemented by the organiser. 

According to MAM, events sanctioned by the outfit must run in compliance with the FIA and FIM general and technical requirements with regards to organising, facilities, participants and vehicles. The association also calls for all organisers to take safety of all seriously and work with MAM in getting their events sanctioned. Although there are set rules from FIA and FIM to be complied with, the end result delivered is a safer racing environment to all parties. 

During the recent budget, the caretaker Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri announced a RM20M budget allocation for developing drag facilities nationwide. Following that, the Ministry of Youth & Sports (KBS) and MAM had discussed developing an approved drag facility in accordance to FIA/FIM requirements at a lower budget.

Furthermore, following the incident last weekend, the Terengganu State Government has also realised the shortfalls of the Gong Badak Circuit and has invited MAM to look into the improvement required to uplift the track safety aspect hoping to avoid further such incidents in future.  

Now although we see NO ACCOUNTABILITY so far from any parties over the unfortunate incident last weekend, we do see that the general public pressure has got some hands moving. Let's hope they stay on course and implement all the improvements to avoid such incidents in the near future.

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