Go-kart race mishap: MAM has final say

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.

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.