KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 17): A new karting circuit is coming to Desaru Coast in Johor with a Singaporean company appointed to build and operate the RM10 million attraction.

Once completed by the end of this year, the karting circuit will be leased to Arina International Holding Pte Ltd, the company supporting the Singapore F1 circuit and developer of the 960-metre KF1 Kranji circuit in Singapore, according to a statement.

“The investment also reflects the opportunities for regional businesses to participate in Desaru Coast’s continued development,” said Izrin Hashim, chief executive officer of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd.

The company is the master developer of Desaru Coast, a 4,000-acre beach resort destination near the tip of Johor and facing the South China Sea. Desaru Coast is also home to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, touted as one of the world’s largest waterparks.

Construction has begun on the latest circuit at Riverside, where it will form the centrepiece of The Sports Arina, an integrated sports and leisure development for both adults and children.

Plans include a competitive karting circuit equipped with a timing system, as well as an air-conditioned indoor circuit designed for children. The project will also see three additional pickleball courts planned and padel facilities in the next phase on top of three outdoor courts opened in July.

"We see strong potential for karting at Desaru Coast and are confident that the destination can attract recreational drivers and experienced enthusiasts from Malaysia and Singapore,” Richard Tan, chairman of Arina International, said in the same statement.