Perlis to Build RM20 Million ESR Dragway Circuit 

The 30-acre motorsport facility is expected to be completed within two years and aims to support racing, talent development and sports tourism in Perlis.

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The Perlis state government is moving ahead with plans to develop a more organised and professional motorsport ecosystem with the construction of the RM20 million Perlis ESR Dragway Circuit in Chuping.

According to Utusan.com, the project, which involves a strategic collaboration between Perlis Holdings Sdn Bhd (PHSB), a subsidiary of the Menteri Besar Incorporation (MBI) of Perlis, and ESR Motor, will be developed across approximately 30 acres of land.

The proposed dragway will feature a straight track measuring around 1.3 kilometres and is expected to be completed within two years after construction begins.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said the state government hopes to utilise ESR Motor’s experience together with PHSB to develop a circuit that meets the needs of the local motorsport community.

More Than Just a Racing Venue

According to Abu Bakar, the circuit is intended to become more than a venue for motorsport events. The state government also sees it as a platform to discover and develop new talent within the industry.

He said young people should have opportunities to progress beyond being spectators and potentially build careers as racers, mechanics, technicians, engineers, team managers and other automotive professionals.

The development is also intended to provide a safer environment for motorsport activities, particularly for young enthusiasts who may otherwise be exposed to illegal street racing.

Potential for Motorsport Tourism

The Perlis government also expects the new facility to contribute to the state’s sports tourism sector. As Perlis shares a border with Thailand, Abu Bakar said the circuit could potentially attract motorsport enthusiasts from other Malaysian states as well as neighbouring Thailand for competitions and events.

The expected economic impact could extend beyond the circuit itself, with visitors potentially spending on hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and other local services.

“We don’t just want to see a project completed physically, but we want to see economic activity grow in terms of job opportunities, increased income for local traders and Perlis having another product that can attract visitors and investment from outside,” Abu Bakar said.

With its planned 1.3km straight track and 30-acre site, the Perlis ESR Dragway Circuit is set to become a new motorsport facility in northern Malaysia, while the state government aims to use the project to support grassroots racing, develop industry talent and generate wider economic activity for Perlis.