KUANTAN:The Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) has the final say in the safety standards of organising an event and this has been the norm for the past seven years.
Chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said MAM was formed in 2007, under the youth and sports ministry, with the aim of helping to develop motoring sports at grassroots-level.
Commenting on last Sunday's fatal crash at the Educational Innovation Motorsports Automotive Race (EIMARace) 2016 near the Pahang Sports Complex in Indera Mahkota, he said: "The four MAM officials who were on duty that day are experienced and have been involved with Sepang International Circuit (SIC) races since 1999.
"The marshal involved in the race that day is also certified. The claim that MAM does not have the final say on the safety aspects is baseless and irresponsible, especially in the current situation," he said.
Razlan was commenting to Bernama today, on an allegation by the Automobile Association of Malaysia that MAM did not have the final say on safety aspects.
In the EIMARace 2016 crash about 11.30am, factory supervisor Izwan Isa, 39, and daughter, Nur Zulaika, five, died after a go-kart skidded and crashed into them during a race organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The accident which was believed to have occurred after three go-karts collided, also injured Izwan's wife, Siti Suhaiza Seman, 38, and their eldest son, Muhammad Izz Daniel, seven.
READ: Go-kart tragedy: Police record statement from organiser
READ: Special committee to probe fatal go-kart mishap
READ: Go-kart tragedy victims laid to rest
READ: Organisers saddened over go-kart race mishap
Both are reported to be in stable condition.
Razlan said since MAM was set up, it had handled several accidents, including one in which Italian racer Marco Simoncelli was killed in the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) at SIC in 2011.
However, this was the first incident involving spectators, he added. "When there is an accident involving spectators, the organiser must lodge a police report so that an investigation can be carried out to determine negligence.
MAM will give its cooperation in the investigation," he said.
Razlan said safety of spectators was the responsibility of the organiser and MAM's job was to ensure the safety aspects of the race such as the circuit and the medical support services.
He said putting up water-filled plastic barriers was the responsibility of the organisers.
On the choice of Jalan Sukpa in Indera Mahkota for the circuit, Razlan said there were weaknesses as the organiser kept changing the plan of the circuit, whereas the proposal for the route should have been submitted one month before the event.
"MAM will make a site visit after the circuit route plan is submitted, but each time we go, there will always be changes...in fact, up till Friday, there were still changes.
"We will help the organisers so that the event is not cancelled, but only if they satisfy the MAM in safety aspects. We will not compromise on safety." - BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Sep 27 2016
It is learnt that the accident happened after three go-karts brushed against one another during the race and one of them veered out of control and rammed spectators. - File Photo
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.