THE Perak government is awaiting a full report, including from the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and the Sports Commissioner (PJS), to find out if the organisers of CCT Battle of Champions race at Dato’ Sagor Circuit in Kampung Gajah on December 31 had approval.

This follows a fatal crash involving a spectator who was hit by one of the competitors.

Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad said that motor racing has a high risk of crashes and should have strict safety standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“If the organisers have permission from PJS, then for the sports event to go ahead the organisers must be a valid or registered body.

“Subsequently, there is a need for the sport’s governing body to confirm support.

“The responsible sports body in this case is MAM, hence, it must confirm the owner of the location, permits from enforcement agencies and insurance for the participants.

“As I said earlier if they have legal permission, it can certainly prevent any potential for accidents to happen,” he said in Ipoh today.

At 3.30pm on December 31, spectator Muhammad Amir Mohd Yusoff, 32, died after being hit by a car, while watching the CCT Battle of Champions race.

The incident is believed to have occurred when two cars, racing closely with each other, came into contact. One car was diverted off the track and headed towards a group of people who were standing in an open area nearby, killing Amir.

Meanwhile, in another development, Saarani said that clearing of more than 200ha of land, allegedly in the Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve, was outside the forest reserve, based on a comprehensive inspection by the Kuala Kangsar Forest Office’s Special Action Unit team.

“Based on the reading of the co-ordinates, it is actually an area of land located outside the Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve. Hence, the area was cleared probably for agricultural activities.

“The distance between the said area and the outer boundary of the Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve is approximately 1.5km, so the complaints made are unfounded, and the Kuala Kangsar Forest Office will continue to monitor as usual,” he said. – Bernama, January 5, 2023.