FORMER Kuala Lumpur police chief Dell Akbar Khan has warned of failed attempts to build drag circuits in efforts to curb illegal racing.

Dell, who once worked to stamp out illegal racing, told The Malaysian Insight that without proper study, the idea to make illegal racing safe may backfire.

“When I suggested that mat rempit be allowed to race in a proper circuit back in the 1980s, the idea was to make the activity safe.

“Little did we know back then, that right after the (legal) race, these mat rempit would go straight out and continue to race illegally on the streets.

“We thought that by allowing them to do it on track, the problem would be solved but it didn’t stop them,” Dell, a former deputy police traffic chief, said.

He added that the government must this time study the issue in depth.

Dell was responsible for rounding up illegal racers before allowing them to race on the Shah Alam Racing circuit back in the 1980s.

Recently, at an event in Kuala Terengganu, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that Putrajaya plans to build drag racing circuits in every state to enhance the development of national motorsports.

The prime minister said the proposal would be included in Budget 2023, to be tabled this October.

Ismail, the MP for Bera, added that with such a facility, youth could indulge in a passion for motorsports through the proper channels.

He also urged youth to participate in the MyFit@Motorsports 2022, which is a grassroots development programme run by the Youth and Sports Ministry.

He said the programme would include training courses and clinics to enhance the group’s knowledge on motorsports.

Meanwhile, Dell said the findings of the study must not be one-sided.

He said the government and the youth must come up with a win-win solution if the former is sincere about developing the sports.

“Times have changed, so have the mat rempit. The challenges and obstacles are bigger than before.

“If there’s no proper plan and study, the idea may not be fruitful,” he added. – August 25, 2022.