Drift racing pro Mohamad Amirul Ashraf Mohamad Taufek says the lack of funding caused him to miss a big competition held in Dubai last week.
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PETALING JAYA: Professional drifting driver Mohamad Amirul Ashraf Mohamad Taufek has urged the youth and sports ministry to consider helping participants of the sport.
He said he had plans to compete in a big competition called King of Nations, which was set to take place last Friday in Dubai.
However, due to a lack of funding, he could not enter the competition.
Amirul believes the sport could help in promoting the country.
This is based on his own experience, winning third place in a King of Asia competition with his Toyota Corolla (KE70) two years ago.
"I was really tested mentally and physically because when I competed then, I was driving a vehicle considered under-powered and competing against drivers from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and even those from countries in Europe.
"I did my best to show off my talents and took third place," he told FMT.
Amirul said the sport was widely appreciated all over the world.
Many locals were also interested in the sport but are "unfortunately" put off after finding out how much money is needed.
He said it did not help that the ministry did not take the sport seriously.
"I've spent more than RM100,000 of my own money on this sport. I was lucky to be sponsored by Tunas Bio Herb to help modify and build my new car (Nissan Silvia).
"In Malaysia, a lot of attention is given to sports like football but the government doesn't consider motorsports, especially drift racing, worth much."
He said he had tried asking for donations from the ministry but was let down by their response.
"I was disappointed they could not help me. They said the government does not have the budget for it."
Tunas Bio Herb helps pay for the cost of fixing, maintaining and upgrading Amirul's current race car.
Tunas Bio Herb managing director Muhammad Saifullizan Abu Bakar told FMT his company hoped to popularise the sport in the country.
"We've seen how popular drift racing is worldwide and how it is well received by many countries overseas.
"We hope that by sponsoring Amirul, we'll can set the ball rolling. Maybe in the near future, the government and other bigger companies will also be interested in helping to popularise this sport."
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Source: www.bing.com
