PETALING JAYA: Event organisers have been told to work with the country’s main motorsports body to ensure the safety of races following a fatal accident at a circuit in Perak last weekend.
Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif reminded event organisers and track operators that they are accountable for the safety of race tracks.
“With the help of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) to advise on the track safety and procedure, I am sure incidents like this could have been avoided,” he told FMT.
He was referring to the death of a spectator at a race at the Dato Sagor Circuit in Pasir Salak after he was hit by a race car that had veered off track onto a grassy area where the victim and several other spectators were standing.
The 32-year-old man died of head and chest injuries.
Azhan said the organisers should have learnt from past untoward incidents when safety precautions were compromised.
MAM is the sanctioning body for motorsports events in the country. It is believed that the event organiser involved did not get the race in Pasir Salak sanctioned by MAM.
Syamsul Razmin, who organises races, also said MAM can help ensure the safety of races for drivers and spectators alike.
“There must be enough barriers to protect both racers and non-racers,” said Syamsul, who regularly organises go-kart racing events.
He also expressed frustration that some race tracks in the country are bumpy and this could contribute to accidents.
Former Grand Prix rider Shahrol Yuzy meanwhile said “open circuits” where outsiders could easily trespass on to the racing area were unsafe.
He said only those with permission to enter the racing area should be allowed to do so.
“Organisers must also be strict and make sure they are able to prevent spectators from trespassing onto the racing area,” he told FMT.
MAM declined comment pending the completion of the youth and sports ministry’s probe into the accident in Pasir Salak on Dec 31.