SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is currently identifying a new location for the development of a dedicated motorsport racing circuit, the Selangor State Legislative Assembly was told today. State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship, Najwan Halimi, revealed that an initial proposal to develop the facility in the Sungai Tua area in Gombak was deemed unsuitable due to environmental impact and high costs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, consultants presented findings from their study of the 16.2 hectare area, revealing that the proposed racing circuit could only be 2.25 kilometers long. This length is inadequate for Drag Racing, which requires a minimum straight line of 600 meters for safety standards, while the proposed site could only accommodate a 340-meter straight line. Furthermore, the presence of a river flowing into Batu Dam poses potential risks to water quality and supply if construction proceeds, particularly during rainfall.
Najwan was responding to Mohd Razali Saari (P
N-Sungai Panjang), who inquired about the conducted social and environmental impact studies for the proposed motorsport racing circuit in Selangor. On the topic of state sponsorship for motorsport athletes at the international level, Najwan stated that the government remains open to discussions with state-owned companies to assess the feasibility of sponsorships, despite the high costs associated with motorsport. He emphasized the need for evaluating suitability and further discussions with potential sponsors.