Ismail said RM20 million had been allocated under the 2023 budget for this project when he was prime minister, adding that it would give youths the chance to be involved in motorsport.

“These drag racing circuits would have also become the best platform to attract professionals to train our youths and nurture new talents in motorsport.

“The lack of such a platform and motorsport complex is one of the main reasons behind the rise in social issues among youths, such as illegal racing.

“It’s as though the youth and sports minister does not understand the aspirations of youths and their interest in motoring,” said the Bera MP, urging the ministry to review the decision.

In August last year, the then prime minister said Putrajaya planned to build drag racing circuits in every state to enhance the development of motorsport in the country.

In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, Yeoh said her ministry did not plan to build the circuits in every state as the government would have to bear high maintenance costs.

The minister said Putrajaya was currently focusing on upgrading and repairing existing sports facilities under the ministry.