KL MotoPark

As far as motorsports goes, the Malaysian scene seems generally confined to those in the auto industry and those with the money to play around with. It’s yet to become something the masses can have a genuine, passionate interest in.

Thus, while most Malaysians know of motorsports, few have any sort of stake in it. Sure, some of them will go to the events, but that’s the extent of their involvement.

Obviously the most well-known event here is the F1, something Malaysia has no drivers in. Locals end up supporting foreign drivers and foreign teams. The F1, while full of hype, noise and glamour, seems like an extremely boring race, with little thrills during the race itself. There’re hardly any good overtaking moves, almost no final lap excitement, and an obvious winner halfway through the race.

And none of the vehicles are ones the public could use or would even want to use, which is one of the reasons an average person would feel detached from this sport. The F1 is certainly exclusive. It excludes more than 99% of the people from being involved.

However, obscene amounts of money are spent by all parties in this country on F1, which in turn publicizes the event – the main reason it seems popular here. The main reason money is splashed around is due to the fact that it’s the biggest event Malaysia holds for an international audience.

At the other end of the spectrum is what the masses know intimately – the street bike racers or Mat Rempit. This is like the exact opposite of the F1 – local participation, no corporate involvement, lots of excitement (and even deaths), on the streets, unsanctioned and very illegal.

These racers consist of youth who use the bikes as their daily mode of transport and as thrilling machines for weekend night races on the streets. The popularity of this among bikers and fans is mainly due to its low cost and basic infrastructure – two qualities that are unfortunately rare in motorsports here.

In terms of participation, this is by far the most popular motorsport in the country. Though illegal, it’s fairly well-organized and regular. Various types of prizes entice the riders to participate and win. In between the glitz of F1 and the rowdiness of Mat Rempit are other areas of motorsports such as drifting, which seems to be getting official recognition as a sport.

While we have a former world champion in Karamjit Singh, rally seems not to attract any interest locally. This is a shame as this is the only motorsport where Malaysians can be proud of a world victory. In fact, few people seem to know what the rally scene is like.

There’re also other events throughout the year held at the Sepang International Circuit and the Pasir Gudang Circuit (Johor), consisting of certain international events and sporadic local ones.

All in all, the local motorsports scene seems disorganized and not united, with improper priorities and competing interests. If it continues this way, it could be many years before motorsports can be considered an accessible recreation for Malaysians.

There are rarely any events supported by the government or relevant agencies. While it spends RM100 million a year on the F1, it allocates little to home events that benefit locals.

The Motorsports Association of Malaysia, endorsed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has not been very visible or effective as it could be. Few people on the ground or drivers on the streets know of it or its events. Fewer still know how MAM can assist them.

There seems to be a chasm between the government bodies and the drivers and riders on the streets, just like the gap between F1 and Mat Rempit. What would be effective is a system that caters to the grassroots motoring community, with some level of self-governance by the latter.

Firstly, what are their needs? Do the officers in charge know? Has there been sufficient research or extensive surveys of the situation on the ground?

Official interest tends to be in grooming an F1 driver. However, what good is that for local motorsports? What would it prove? Having an F1 driver would only benefit one driver, at a very high expense and a high opportunity cost. To have a healthy motorsports industry, an all-round development is essential - for cars and bikes.

Significantly, what is often overlooked is that motorsports is not just about international fame – it’s also a recreational activity for the masses – but obviously little has been done to develop the foundation from this angle. In fact, the inappropriate approach to the sport has even got the people believing that it’s something out of reach. The Mat Rempit are unfortunately completely detached and alienated from the motorsports industry.

The F1 wasn’t primarily brought to Malaysia to help develop motorsports. It was just another technique to make the world know the country. However, after eight years, interest in motorsports has grown to a point where it should be managed and developed to take it to the next level.

There needs to be official aid in organizing state and national-level events throughout the year in a season format, with all-round support, attractive prizes and sufficient publicity.

Enthusiasts need guidance – firstly to become amateur racers, and then pro. While most learn as they go, some sort of formal education or reference would be a start. Racers and teams should be trained on how to secure and benefit sponsors to create fruitful, mutually-beneficial business relationships.

Funds have to be spent prudently instead of at one go on ambitious ideas. Little disbursements as and when needed on a micro level, nationwide, would mean benefits would filter down to where they can be most effective. At the least, permanent facilities should be provided for recreational motorsports immediately. These motor parks should be affordable, accessible and not too ambitious, managed by professionals.

The Mat Rempits and other street racers need to be engaged and consulted to solve related issues. These youth could be encouraged to show their talent in a safe and organized environment. Providing them with facilities and an avenue to develop their skills would be the best way to get them off the streets, as their mob-like unruly behaviour in public places is a constant threat to society.

A comprehensive road map that caters to professional and recreational needs is required, after consultation with all stakeholders. And more importantly, it must be implemented to the letter. The sooner this is done, the better.