EIMARACE safety permit from MAM, not AAM - Organiser

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), as the organiser of Educational Innovation Motosports Automotive Race 2016 (EIMARace), has denied applying for safety permit from the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).

Its vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Wahid Omar said the application was submitted to the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), the body entitled to issue the safety permit.

"We have been getting safety permit from MAM for nine years and do not deal with other parties. For this year, we also have a safety permit, because without it, the race cannot be held.

"All safety aspects are included in the permit and inspection is done before and during the race. If they are not met, the MAM can withdraw the permit at any time," he told reporters after visiting the site of yesterday's accident which killed factory supervisor Izwan Isa, 39, and daughter, Nur Zulaikha,5.

Also present was Ministry of Higher Education secretary-general, Tan Sri Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur who heard a briefing given by the programme's director, Assoc Prof Dr Aminudin Abu.

On Monday, local media reported allegations by the AAM that the organiser of EIMARace 2016 continued the race without their permit due to the high cost.

Moreover, Wahid said MAM representatives were at the race track to ensure that the organiser implement the safety measures.

"UTM will conduct an internal investigation. This incident serves as a lesson in the organisation of risky events," he said adding the outcome of the investigation will be made public. -- Bernama