The Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) confirms that the Automobile Association of Malaysia had issued a letter dated 27 September 2016 suspending MAM from organising any motorsports activities including the issuing of any licences, documents, etc relating to the organising of motorsports events in Malaysia.
This open-ended suspension ahead of the setting up of a tribunal of inquiry on the events surrounding the fatal accident at the Educational Innovation of Motorsports and Automotive (EIMARACE) 2016 go-kart race at Indera Mahkota, Kuantan on 25 September will be a blow to the grassroots motorsports events that MAM is involved in, such as the highly popular KBS-MAM Kapcai Endurance 2016.
Since MAM was founded in 2007, the association has worked with motorsports enthusiasts at the grassroots level all over Malaysia and they have shown tremendous commitment and passion in organising and participating in well-run races.
Beyond promoting motorsports participation and spectatorship at the grassroots levels, our objective has also been to encourage the organisers of unsanctioned races to apply for sanctioning, to ensure that they meet the minimum safety requirements. At the same time, we ensure that the application for sanctioning is not too prohibitively expensive, so as not to discourage interest in sanctioning, which will hinder efforts to reduce the number of unsanctioned events.
MAM has been involved in the organisation of motorsports events since 2007 without any untoward incidents and has managed to convert many events into properly sanctioned events with insurance for participants and spectators. Over time, we have also been able to work with various event organisers to elevate the standards of safety for specific events.
The tragic accident in Kuantan was an isolated incident. We are carrying out a full investigation into the causes and to find out how we can prevent similar incidents. It is our sincere wish that the incident will not have far-reaching repercussions that dampen grassroots passion for motorsports.
Nevertheless, we are in full agreement that safety is of the utmost importance in motorsports, whether at the grassroots level or at the most prestigious international level, and in both street races and track races.
We will, of course, cooperate fully and openly with all investigations. It is sad but widely accepted that important improvements in safety and security often come on the back of tragedies.
MAM hopes to be able to continue working with all relevant parties to ensure that all races are safe, accessible and enjoyable for spectators and participants alike.
The Motorsports Association of Malaysia organises motor sports events.
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