KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Moto Day 9.0 is more than just a motoring event, as it also carries an important message for the motoring community to always prioritise discipline, safety, responsibility and sportsmanship.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the programme, now in its ninth edition, has grown into a platform that brings together youths, the motoring community, entrepreneurs, government agencies and various other parties in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.
He said participation in the programme has continued to increase from year to year, involving not only motoring enthusiasts from across Sabah, but also from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei.
He said this development proves that Sabah Moto Day has successfully become a meeting point and a platform for building a wider motoring community network, not only at the state level but also across regions and borders.
“The spirit we want to see from the motoring community is one that always prioritises discipline, safety, responsibility and sportsmanship.
“Show that the motoring community is a responsible community that respects other road users and always abides by the law,” he said in his speech at the Youth Motoring Programme (Sabah Moto Day 9.0) at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex grounds today.
His speech was delivered by State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib.
Hajiji said roads should not be used as racing circuits, and that interest, talent and the desire to race should instead be channelled through legitimate, safe and properly organised platforms.
He said the uniqueness of Sabah Moto Day is that the programme does not focus solely on motoring activities, but also highlights five main thrusts aimed at developing Sabah youths who are active, knowledgeable, competitive, united and free from negative influences.
“The State Government takes seriously efforts to ensure that young people have healthy and positive spaces to gather, be creative, participate in sports and develop their potential.
“We are not merely bringing together machines and motoring enthusiasts, but also bringing together the spirit, talent and potential of our young people,” he said.
Hajiji also called on all riders and participants to turn their passion for motoring into a positive force by becoming disciplined, mature and responsible riders, while ensuring that every activity is conducted in a peaceful, safe, harmonious and positive environment.
He also expressed hope that participants from outside Sabah would not only enjoy the excitement of Sabah Moto Day, but also take the opportunity to spend time exploring and visiting attractions in the state, thereby bringing greater benefits to youths, the community, the economy and Sabah’s tourism sector.-pr/BNN
