Track to stop street racers

MALAYSIA // The government of the Malaysian state of Kelantan has announced plans to build a RM10 million (Dh11.5 million) motor racing circuit. The track will be the first in the state and is aimed at encouraging young people to become involved in the sport. Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, the state's chief minister, declared land in the Tanah Merah district of the state had been identified for the circuit, the construction of which would start soon on a joint-venture basis with a private company from Kuala Lumpur. "When ready, the youth and other motoring enthusiasts can display their fast-driving or riding skills," he said at Dataran Stadium Sultan Mohammad IV last week, reports the New Straits Times. It is hoped that the circuit will help stop motorists using the roads for illegal racing. In Malaysia the term "mat rempit" refers to an illegal street racer. The problem of mat rempits has dominated editorial comments and letters in the newspapers of the South-east Asian country. Earlier this month a 17-year-old suspected mat rempit was shot by police during a motorcycle chase.