KUALA LUMPUR – Just a fortnight ago, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) took a significant step to support local motorcycle riders by offering its world-class track for training at minimal cost.
This initiative aims to nurture talent and address Malaysia’s rising motorcycle accident statistics.
SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif recently announced that Malaysian riders, even those on lower-powered underbone motorcycles (kapcai) can train on the circuit free of charge, with fees only covering security and marshal services.
This initiative allows riders to experience a professional-grade track under safe and controlled conditions.
“I promise all Malaysian riders, whoever wants to train here can just contact us. If there’s an available slot, they can use the SIC to train,” Azhan said.
“However, we need to organise training sessions by category to ensure safety, so kapcais and motorcycles under 250cc, won’t ride or train alongside motorcycles that are 600cc and above.”
The announcement comes on the heels of SIC’s success in hosting the 2024 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, which drew a record 185,000 spectators over three days from November 1 to 3, buoyed by affordable Rahmah ticket pricing.
While opening up the track and making it more accessible seem simple and insignificant, the initiative could play a critical role in tackling the escalating number of motorcycle fatalities in Malaysia.
Recent statistics reveal that in 2023, an average of 12 motorcyclists died daily, accounting for 75% of all road fatalities. Alarmingly, more than half of these victims were aged 29 or younger, and 35% did not possess a valid license.
Most fatal crashes involved side-impact collisions, contributing to 27.5% of fatalities.
Although 75% of riders in fatal crashes wore helmets, the rising number of fatalities has been linked to increased motorcycle travel.
On the final day of the Malaysian Grand Prix, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) president Jorge Viegas, and Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir met to discuss incorporating defensive and safety driving campaigns into FIM and MotoGP platforms and improving Malaysia’s motorsports presence.
The good thing about initiatives like this is that they go to the grassroots and are not merely an elitist subject.
Opening up SIC to local riders has been met with enthusiasm, particularly from members of motorcycle groups like RXZ Members.
Lukhman Hassan, a prominent member of the group, expressed optimism about the move but suggested further measures to make the programme more accessible.
“Kapcai gangs have always been interested in riding on the SIC track, but the rules were too strict before this. The high rental costs also didn’t seem worth it for us,” Lukhman said.
“Perhaps they could consider opening half the track for us. That might make it more affordable. We’re not looking to become professional racers – we just want some entertainment and excitement.
“If the rules are reasonable and the rental is affordable, I’m sure the initiative will be a success.”
By making the circuit accessible to everyday riders, SIC is not only promoting motorsports but also encouraging safer riding habits.
With the support of key figures like Loke and Mokhzani, the initiative represents a potential turning point in addressing Malaysia’s motorcycle accident crisis while elevating the local motorsports scene.
The question remains: will local riders take advantage of this opportunity, and will further measures, such as opening portions of the track or adjusting fees, increase its impact?
It would also help if SIC could free up their tracks a little, as currently it is almost always fully booked all year round with events. — November 18, 2024
