KUCHING: There are plans to upgrade the existing racing circuits in Sarawak but there are no plans to build new ones at the moment, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
While he affirmed his support for the motorsport industry, he said there should be a rationale in establishing a new racing circuit, which is very costly.
“Personally, even if we were to set up a racing circuit, it will not be able to eliminate illegal racing on the streets,” said the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
“We encourage (motorsports) but probably now might not be the time to set it (racing circuit) up as it is not cheap.
“We will consider upgrading the existing ones but there is no plan to have too many racing circuits,” he told the media after the handover of a sponsorship from Petros in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta here on Tuesday (Oct 24).
Last weekend, during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak in Kuala Lumpur, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sibu would have a racing circuit to cater to motorsports enthusiasts.
Currently, Sarawak has two racing circuits, one in Kuching and one in Miri.
Abdul Karim said Sibu, despite not having a racing circuit, has a motocross circuit in Sibu Jaya, which he encourages youths to get involved in.
