KUCHING (May 2): A proposed drag racing track in Balai Ringin is currently in the pipeline, with a decision on its development expected by the end of the year, said Sarawak Motorsports Association (SMA) president Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim.

He said the project is now at the planning stage as part of ongoing efforts to enhance motorsports facilities in the state.

“With the Balai Ringin racing track, if people want to organise drag racing, we can facilitate it. For drifting, we can also make some adjustments,” he said when met at the Torque of Borneo 2026 event at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Community Hall here.

He said the development aims to provide dedicated spaces for motorsports activities, particularly for drag racing and drifting enthusiasts.

On the proposed circuit in Gedong, Ahmad said the project is still at the land zoning stage and will take more time as it forms part of a broader development plan.

“This is not just about the track. It involves light industry, a school, a stadium — the whole ecosystem. We are only a small part of that ecosystem.

“Once everything is finalised and zoning is completed, only then can we come in. We will enter when invited, and we must respect that process,” he said.

On Torque of Borneo 2026, Ahmad described the event as more than just entertainment, saying it serves as a transformative platform that opens opportunities for youths to explore fields such as engineering, entrepreneurship and digital content creation.

“I am proud to see the participation of women in this programme, although the numbers are still small.

“I would like to challenge that next year, there should be at least 30 per cent female participation — not because of quotas, but because talent knows no gender,” he said.

Also present were Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and his deputy Dato Dr Zaeidi Suhaili.