KBS GRANT STRENGTHENS TERENGGANU’S 4X4 MOTORSPORT COMMUNITY

Rising costs are putting greater pressure on community-level 4×4 racing organisers, but support from the Sports Matching Grant (GPS) under Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is helping a Terengganu club keep the sport active in the East Coast.

Kelab Sukan Pacuan Empat Roda Ummah (UT 4×4) president Muhammad Muzzammil Mokhetar said the support had helped the club sustain the Terengganu 4X4 Merdeka Challenge while providing a much-needed platform for racers, particularly those from the East Coast.

He said staging a 4×4 event involved considerable operational costs, with organisers having to deal with expenses ranging from manpower and scoring systems to logistics and other requirements that came with running a competitive motorsport event.

“Organising costs have been increasing every year, whether because of the current economic situation or the various requirements involved in staging an event, which we simply cannot avoid.

“These include manpower, scoring and results technology, logistics and other expenses, as well as the financial risks that we have to bear even after the race is over,” he said.

Muhammad Muzzammil said there was also a misconception that community-level motorsport organisers were making profits simply because they received government funding or sponsorship.

“Many people assume that organising motorsport events at the community level means we are making profits, especially when we receive government funding or sponsorship. The reality is quite different.

“We take on this responsibility because there are not enough races in the East Coast, and many racers cannot afford to travel to other states to compete,” he said.

He said the GPS allocation covered only about half of the total cost of staging the event, with the balance having to be met through financial contributions and in-kind support from local government agencies, smaller sponsors and individuals with an interest in motorsport.

Support from the various parties also allowed UT 4×4 to broaden the programme beyond the main competition, with activities such as a colouring contest, exhibition spaces and information sessions by relevant agencies giving the local community more opportunities to take part.

The club has also maintained a strong focus on accountability in managing the support received, with proper event documentation and detailed expenditure reports prepared as part of its reporting process.

Muhammad Muzzammil said maintaining transparency in the use of funds was important in sustaining the confidence of the relevant authorities, with UT 4×4 having received GPS support for three consecutive years.

The Terengganu 4X4 Merdeka Challenge 2026 was held over two days from Sept 5, attracting 56 racers from across the country. Three categories were contested — Super Novice Litecore, Short Wheel Base (SWS) and Long Wheel Base (LWS).

The annual event was organised by UT 4×4 in collaboration with Kelab Terjoh! 4×4 Kuala Terengganu as the technical partner, with support from KBS, the Terengganu Youth and Sports Department, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Four Wheel Drive Association (MFWDA) and the Terengganu state government.