KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 ― Following a temporary suspension by the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM), Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) said today such a move will greatly impact grassroots events that it is involved with.

MAM confirmed that AAM has suspended it from issuing any licences and documents relating to the organising of motorsports events in Malaysia, affecting upcoming events such as the KBS-MAM Kapcai Endurance 2016, which it said is “highly popular”.

“The tragic accident in Kuantan was an isolated incident. We are carrying out a full investigation into the causes and to find out how we can prevent similar incidents,” MAM said in a statement, referring to the fatal EIMARace crash on September 25.

“It is our sincere wish that the incident will not have far-reaching repercussions that dampen grassroots passion for motorsports.”

MAM said it has encouraged organisers of unsanctioned races to apply for sanctioning, to ensure that they meet the minimum safety requirements.

MAM also said it has ensured that the application for sanctioning is not too prohibitively expensive, so as not to discourage interest in sanctioning, which will hinder efforts to reduce the number of unsanctioned events.

“MAM has been involved in the organisation of motorsports events since 2007 without any untoward incidents and has managed to convert many events into properly sanctioned events with insurance for participants and spectators.

“Over time, we have also been able to work with various event organisers to elevate the standards of safety for specific events,” it said.

On Wednesday, AAM chairman Tunku Datuk Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha confirmed MAM will be investigated for possible non-compliance with safety standards during the event that killed two spectators in Kuantan, Pahang.

Company supervisor Izwan Isa, 39, and his four-year-old daughter Nur Zulaikha, were killed while his wife and son was injured after they were hit by the go-kart during the race.

EIMARace 2016 co-organiser Universiti Teknologi Malaysia insisted that it complied with safety requirements set by the MAM, which it also said provided approval for the event.

On Monday, AAM said that MAM was not authorised to sanction safety measures in auto racing events without the former association’s approval, but MAM chief executive Datuk Razlan Razali insisted that his association was authorised to approve such events.