KUALA LUMPUR — RUD Go-Kart Puchong has denied allegations of negligence following an accident that left a 21-year-old driver with severe head injuries, saying the incident was an “extremely unfortunate and freak accident” involving the victim’s hair becoming entangled during a session.
The circuit operator’s managing director, Jiawei Ong, said all safety procedures had been followed, adding that the race was stopped immediately after the crash and that marshals responded in accordance with established protocols.
“The SOPs were in place, they were followed, and the proper safety equipment was worn. It was a very unfortunate and freak accident involving the driver’s hair, but it was not due to negligence or oversight,” he told Scoop when met at the circuit today.
Ong said the company launched an internal investigation within hours of the incident, which occurred at about 2.30am on July 11.
“The investigation began immediately. We reviewed all the CCTV footage and received reports from our managers right away. Early the next morning, we held a meeting to investigate the matter,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that the race continued after the accident without immediate intervention, saying staff members had acted as soon as the crash occurred.
“The race was stopped immediately after the crash. Based on what you saw in the video, all the marshals were involved in the response,” he said.
The victim, who was taking part in a recreational gokart session with a group of 13 youths, was involved in the freak accident at about 2.37am while on the circuit.
Witnesses say his long hair was not secured and got caught in one of the wheels.
A family member said the crash left the victim with serious head trauma. Witnesses claimed his helmet was torn off during the impact and was seen rolling across the track.
As a result of the crash the victim’s scalp was torn from his head during impact, a severe injury which required emergency surgery.
In response to the incident, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) management clarified that the go-kart track in Puchong where the 21-year-old man suffered severe head injuries is not under its ownership, management or regulatory oversight.
SIC Head of Motorsport Development Ilyas Rabani said the incident occurred at RUD Go-Kart Puchong, an independently operated recreational karting facility that has no operational link to SIC, despite public confusion over RUD’s separate karting venue located within the Sepang circuit compound.
“To my knowledge, this incident occurred at RUD Go-Kart Puchong, and SIC neither owns nor controls that facility. The venue does not fall under our jurisdiction, management or operational oversight.
“Any matters relating to the operation of the track, including safety measures and incident handling, are the responsibility of the track operator and the relevant local authority,” he told Scoop.
‘Managers had transported victim for medical attention’
Ong further disputed claims that the victim was taken to hospital by his friends, saying two RUD managers had transported him for medical attention.
“Unfortunately, the friends of the victim decided to take matters into their own hands by bringing him to the hospital. However, our regional manager and another manager were the ones who actually sent him to the hospital. It was not his friends.
“What is important to state is that it shows the willingness of our staff to help. They used their own vehicle to transport him to the hospital,” he added.
Based on the company’s review of CCTV footage, Ong said the incident appeared to have occurred after the victim’s hair became loose during the session.
“Normally, we would classify this as a freak accident. The reminders regarding safety gear and apparel had been given, the protective equipment was available, and the checks had been carried out. It was simply very unfortunate that his hair came loose during the incident,” he said.
Ong said RUD had offered assistance to the victim and his family, although details of the support provided would remain private.
“We have offered assistance, particularly regarding medical-related matters, but the specifics are confidential. Our regional manager contacted them by phone the next day, and I personally followed up with a message,” he said.
Scoop previously reported that the 21-year-old sustained severe head trauma during a recreational go-kart session involving a group of 13 youths at the Puchong circuit.
Witnesses claimed that the victim’s long hair became caught in one of the kart’s wheels, causing his helmet to be dislodged during the crash. He subsequently underwent emergency surgery after suffering a serious scalp injury.
The earlier report also raised concerns over the emergency response following the incident, including allegations that the session was not immediately stopped, professional medical assistance was delayed, and that the victim was initially attended to by friends using a first aid kit before being taken to hospital.
Scoop also sought clarification from PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit after public confusion over the venue, with the circuit confirming that the Puchong track operates independently and is not under its jurisdiction.
Addressing concerns over RUD’s safety standards, Ong said the company, which began operations in 2020, serves hundreds of thousands of customers annually across six outlets.
“This incident was an extremely unusual and freak occurrence that nobody expected. However, the expertise is in place and the trained personnel are in place to prevent such situations.
“If there had been negligence or insufficient safety measures, you would see these kinds of incidents happening repeatedly. They do not happen here because we take safety seriously.
“We will continue to do so. That is why our message is always to stay safe and drive responsibly. We put significant effort into ensuring that people leave this place safely and happily,” he said.
Scoop is withholding the identities of the victim and his family. – July 14, 2026