KUALA NERUS – Rising costs have not deterred Kelab Sukan Pacuan Empat Roda Ummah (UT 4×4) from continuing to provide a platform for 4×4 motorsports enthusiasts and competitors in the East Coast through the Terengganu 4X4 Merdeka Challenge.
Its president, Muhammad Muzzammil Mokhetar, said support from the Sports Matching Grant (GPS) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) had helped the club sustain the event, particularly as the cost of organising it continued to rise each year.
He said staging a 4×4 motorsports event involved a range of operational expenses, including manpower, scoring and results technology, logistics and other related requirements.
“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 perception that organising motorsports events at community level was a profitable undertaking, particularly when government funding or sponsorship was involved.
“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 overall cost of staging the event, with the remainder having to be met through financial contributions and in-kind support from local government agencies, smaller sponsors and individuals with an interest in motorsports.
The support also enabled UT 4×4 to include activities beyond the main competition, such as a colouring contest, exhibition spaces and information sessions by relevant agencies for the local community.
Muhammad Muzzammil said the club also placed emphasis on accountability in managing the funds received, with complete event documentation and expenditure reports prepared to ensure transparent use of the allocation.
He said the approach had helped maintain the confidence of KBS, with UT 4×4 receiving GPS support for three consecutive years.
The Terengganu 4X4 Merdeka Challenge 2026 was held over two days from Sept 5, attracting 56 competitors 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.