Safety aspects enhanced for motoring, extreme sports - Pahang MB

The Pahang government has given its assurance to ensure organisers of motoring and extreme sports enhance the safety aspect of their events to avoid any untoward incidents in future.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said organisers should also take into account the possibility of an untoward incident that might happen when organising and event.

Commenting on the accident which occurred during the Education Innovation Motorsports and Automotive Race (EIMARace) 2016 at Indera Mahkota here last Sunday, he said the state government had sought an explanation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) as the organiser of the event.

Factory supervisor Izwan Isa, 39, and his five-year-old daughter, Nur Zulaikha, were killed, while his wife, Siti Suhaiza Seman, 38, and their eldest child, Muhammad Izz Daniel, seven, were injured, after a go-kart veered out of control and crashed into spectators during the event.

"I have been briefed by UTM and advised them to not point fingers at anyone at this stage. Don't play the blame game. Let the police investigate. The Higher Education Ministry is also investigating.

"We are saddened by the incident. If it (racing event) is going to be held again, step up safety measures. Think about the worst case scenario," he told reporters here last night.

He said the incident was discussed at the state executive meeting yesterday during which the state government would ensure the victims' family would be given the necessary assistance, like compensation.

Adnan clarified that the state government did not sponsor EIMARace 2016, but only provided the necessary assistance for UTM to organise the event.

In a related development, Adnan said the state government had identified a site to build a permanent race track in Gambang to enhance safety in motoring sports.

"We have identified the area to build the circuit, but has yet to get the fund for the purpose," he added. -- BERNAMA