Tunku Idris Breaks Silence On Pasir Gudang Circuit Revival

Undated aerial view of the Pasir Gudang Circuit, also known as Johor Circuit. (Source: Facebook)

Amidst rumours and recent news about plans to revive the dormant Pasir Gudang Circuit in Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Temenggong of Johor, has broken his silence on the matter.

The prince from the Royal House of Johor state took to his personal Instagram account several days back to both clarify on said royal family’s involvement in the matter. He also expressed displeasure of claims by external parties in wanting to take credit for efforts to revive the once bustling circuit.

“I’ve been working on this project quietly for the (past) 8 years and suddenly I see all these random people jumping onto the bandwagon and try be the track saviour. Please do your research before making foolish statements,” expressed Tunku idris in said post, which we’ve embedded below.

In the same post, Tunku Idris also clarified that the circuit will be dedicated for both the Johor Racing (JMR) and JDT Racing efforts, as well as the rakyat.

As a refresher, Johor Racing (JMR) is a four-wheeled GT racing endeavour spearheaded by Tunku Idris’ brother, the Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim (Prince Jefri Ibrahim). JDT Racing is a newly established two-wheeled racing effort spearheaded by former Malaysian MotoGP and Moto2 star Hafizh Syahrin in the ASB1000 class of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.

What was once a facility bustling with racing activities has fallen into disrepair since the early to mid-2010s. (Images: SnapLap.net)

“Where were all of you when this circuit was falling apart a decade ago? Where were you when this circuit almost had the same fate as Batu 3?” asks Tunku Idris, likely directed to parties that have recently emerged with claims of wanting to revive the famed circuit in the southern corridor.

Included here is a reference to the former Batu Tiga Speedway Circuit (BTSC) in Shah Alam – also known as the Shah Alam Circuit. Said facility was once bustling with activity from all levels including grassroots racing since it first opened in 1968, but shuttered in 2003 once the then new Sepang International Circuit – opened in 1999 – took its mantle.

Tunku Idris then concluded his statement with a plea to let him “finish this in peace under the guidance of my father and elder brother and his government.”

One of the last major activities held at the circuit was the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship series. (Image source: Flickr)

Established in 1985, the Pasir Gudang Circuit, also referred to as the Johor Circuit, has a history of hosting notable motorsports events across all levels. Aside from grassroots- and national-level championships, regional-level events were held here too, including scores of global-level race events.

The circuit eventually fell into disrepair since the early to mid-2010s at least before it’s gates were closed circa 2015/2016. A major revamp was planned in 2016, but the cost proved staggering at a reported sum of US$800 million – approximately RM3.8 billion.