PETALING JAYA: The go-kart industry needs clearer and more uniform safety standards nationwide, including stricter equipment checks and emergency procedures, said stakeholders, following a recent accident that left a 21-year-old with severe scalp injuries.
Malaysia Theme Park and Family Attractions Association (Matfa) president Tan Sri Richard Koh said the incident underscored the need for clearer regulations and standardised practices, as oversight currently varies between local authorities.
Koh said Matfa supported moves to bring go-kart operations under sports authorities to improve standardisation.
“Standards vary from operator to operator.
“Having clear guidelines on track design, speed limits, equipment specifications and insurance would help protect both operators and the public,” he noted.
Although the operator involved was not a Matfa member, Koh said the association regularly conducts safety seminars for theme park ride operators and family attractions covering track design, equipment maintenance, staff training, rider briefings, speed control and enforcement.
He stressed that rider safety must be prioritised through mandatory briefings before rides, proper helmet fitting, recommended balaclava use and strict supervision on the track.
Screening for age, health conditions and sobriety is also essential, he added.
Matfa’s guidelines call for daily equipment checks, monthly detailed inspections, quarterly refresher training for staff and weekly reviews of first aid kits.
Marshals and flag systems are required for high-speed karting activities, while having an ambulance on standby is encouraged during peak periods.
Local circuit owner and manager Ayrton Mohd Azeem Low said operators could benefit from greater communication and cooperation, suggesting that the industry consider forming an association.
“While go-kart circuits generally follow standard safety protocols, operators currently operate independently and there is no dedicated association bringing them together to discuss safety issues and incidents,” he said.
Low said the incident highlighted the need for operators to double-check whether drivers’ helmets and other equipment are properly secured.
He added that safer ways of securing long hair, such as using clips, could also be considered instead of relying solely on rubber bands.
Operators must ensure safety procedures remain in place throughout every session, regardless of the time of day, he emphasised.
Standard procedures at his circuit included safety briefings, mandatory balaclavas and checks on helmets, four-point seat belts and other equipment before drivers entered the track.
“Safety is very important because if anything happens, operators are liable regardless of whether they (racers) have signed an indemnity form,” he said, adding that operators could still be held responsible for mechanical failures or failures to follow safety procedures.
Proper go-kart maintenance was equally important in reducing the risk of crashes, he added.
At his circuit, each kart is inspected individually about once a month, with spare karts and parts kept available so damaged vehicles can be taken out of service.
Low said his circuit also limits the number of karts operating at one time and provides drivers with safety instructions, including taking the first few laps slowly to familiarise themselves with the track.
“It’s your first time. Take it slow, take it easy and don’t be a hero,” he said.
