New Jelajah Malaysia organiser assures swift payments

JELAJAH Malaysia chief executive officer Noraidiazhar Sulaiman has assured that all riders, staff and contractors involved in the tour this year will receive their payments on time.

Noraidiazhar, whose company Life Pro Fit Sdn Bhd has taken over the event this year, said he is determined not to let history repeat itself.

The race flags off for the first stage, from Shah Alam to Hutam Melintang (161.90km) today.

The tour, which is the oldest of its kind in the region, had financial issues in recent years. The prize money for last year’s race, under a different organiser, has not been paid.

"We do not want what happened before to happen again. It is their right (to receive payment on time) and we will fulfil our responsibilities as soon as possible...no delays," said Noraidiazhar.

"UCI rules state that we must pay riders their prize money within three months. We, however, intend to settle everything within one month.

"This also includes payments to the race officials, marshals , general staff as well as our contractors."

Riders Nik Azwan Zulkifle (Police) and Harrif Saleh (TSG), who are among the riders yet to receive their prize money for last season's race, are hoping they will be paid soon.

Azwan emerged as the best Malaysian rider while Harrif won the third stage from Gua Musang to Pasir Puteh last year.

"The organisers of last year's race have informed us that they have given the money to the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF). Hopefully, it does not get stuck there for too long.

"I believe this year will be better as we have a different organiser. We know him (Noraidiazhar) and there have not been any issues with him prior to this,” said Azwan.

A total of 18 teams will be competing in the five stage tour this year.

The late withdrawals of Iran's Pishgaman, who emerged overall winners last year, and South Korean outfit KSPO, whose sprinter Park Sung Baek dominated the points classification, have blown the competition wide open.

Local teams are expected to challenge for honours with Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), who are the highest ranked team in the tour, Sapura Cycling Team and Oliver's Real Food Racing of Australia being the contenders.

The second stage will see riders racing from Lumut to Kuala Kurau (145.3km), third stage from Kuala Kangsar to Kulim (141.4km), fourth stage from Kulim to Gunung Jerai (101.3km) with the final stage set to start and end in Alor Setar (132.8km).

Noraidiazhar, however, disclosed that there is a possibility the final stage may be scrapped due to the floods currently affecting the area.

If that is the case, the race will end at the fourth stage. Fadhli Ishak and Azlan Muhammad Zain