KUALA LUMPUR – The Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of late professional drag racer Hattem Rashid, who died during the Malaysia Drag Bike National ET Record Championship Road Tour 2023 at the Pekan Speedway Circuit in Pekan, Pahang on Sunday.
“We at PJS would like to express our condolences to the family of the late drag racer Hattem Rashid.
“PJS will conduct a detailed investigation under the Sports Development Act 1997 [Act 576] if there was any violation of the Act,” read the statement.
It was reported that Hattem lost control of his motorcycle, resulting in a fatal crash.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries 24 hours later at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan.
PJS said that it takes the matter seriously, and an initial review has revealed that the competition was not officially sanctioned by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), the governing body for motorsports.
“All parties are urged to obtain the status of organising sports events in collaboration with PJS to ensure that all aspects of safety are emphasised.
“PJS always works with MAM to ensure the safety of motorsports activities is always upheld,” added the statement.
Earlier, Youth and Sports Ministry chief secretary K. Nagulendran urged the championship organiser to accept responsibility for the tragic incident that unfolded at the Speedway Circuit in Taman Tasik Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang.
He added that the ministry had requested MAM to cooperate with the organisers in conducting a thorough investigation to get a clear picture of the incident.
Nagulendran also said that organisers of sports activities must not only seek approval from the respective National Sports Associations but also seek the necessary approvals from PJS. – September 5, 2023
