Known as Mat Rempits, illegal racers terrify road users with their souped-up motorcycles and cars, racing on city streets and in the surrounding countryside late at night, frequently causing accidents.
Attempts to curb illegal racing in Malaysia have had only mild success, pushing authorities in 2008 to announce plans to cane habitual illegal road racers, suspend their licences and confiscate their vehicles.
The RM10 million circuit in Kelantan will "prevent fans of illegal car races and motorcycle races from abusing our roads as a racetrack," chief minister Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat told state media.
It would also "eliminate social problems associated with the Mat Rempit," the minister said, referring to the use of drugs and alcohol by some racers.
Malaysians enjoy legal high-speed motorcycle and car races, with the country's Sepang International Circuit (SIC) south of Kuala Lumpur hosting the annual Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix and the Malaysian MotoGP.
- AFP
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