KUCHING: The proposed racing circuit in Gedong has the potential to become a new motorsport hub in Sarawak, helping to develop the state’s motorsport industry while supporting sports tourism and the wider economy.
Sarawak Motorsports Association (SMA) chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said the proposed circuit could attract national and international racing events if it is developed according to the required specifications and standards.
He said Sarawak had strong potential in motorsports and needed proper facilities to support the development of local talent.
“We have great potential in motorsports. If this circuit becomes a reality, it can be used for various racing categories and become another attraction for Sarawak,” he said in an exclusive interview with Suara Sarawak.
Ahmad said the proposed facility could also attract racers, teams and visitors from outside Sarawak, creating opportunities for the local tourism and business sectors.
He explained that the circuit was not intended to serve only one type of motorsport. Depending on its final design and technical specifications, it could potentially accommodate motorcycle racing, endurance races, Formula 3 and other international competitions.
However, he stressed that hosting major international events would require the circuit to meet strict standards set by the relevant international governing bodies.
“For example, a circuit hosting MotoGP needs to meet the Grade A certification requirements of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
“Meanwhile, a Formula One circuit requires Grade 1 recognition from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Everything will depend on the final design and specifications decided later,” he said.
Apart from the racing track, Ahmad said the proposed development could include facilities related to the motorsport industry, training institutions or academies and other supporting infrastructure.
The wider development would therefore aim to create a complete motorsport ecosystem rather than simply provide a racing venue.
He also stressed that the proposed circuit was not a standalone project. Instead, it forms part of a larger development plan for the Gedong area, which is expected to include a stadium, schools, road networks and other public facilities.
According to Ahmad, land for the development has already been identified and included in the area’s master development plan.
However, he said the immediate priority was to develop basic infrastructure, including bridges and roads, as well as the proposed stadium and possibly a school, before the racing circuit could be developed.
He added that the circuit’s final design, development cost and implementation phases would depend on decisions by the Gedong Development Committee, chaired by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the Gedong assemblyman.
Ahmad had previously said in May that the proposed circuit remained at an early stage, with the project still subject to land surveying and zoning processes by the relevant authorities.
He said land zoning was an important first step before the Government could determine the direction and scope of the development, including the construction of the racing circuit.
Based on the current progress, Ahmad said the project could take at least two years before reaching the actual construction phase.
If eventually realised, the Gedong circuit could give Sarawak a dedicated venue for developing local motorsport talent while creating opportunities for major racing events, tourism and related industries.
The proposed development also reflects a broader approach to building sports infrastructure that can contribute to the state’s economy. However, its ability to host top-level international competitions will ultimately depend on the circuit’s final design, facilities, safety standards and international certification.
