The international standard motor racing circuit built at the compound of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, Gong Badak, near here is expected to be fully operational by January.

Terengganu Menteri Besar, Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said the RM12.7 million circuit, which is currently 60 per cent completed, is recognised by the Automibile Association of Malaysia (AAM).

"The construction is expected to be ready on schedule and can be used for motor racing by early next year," he told reporters after inspecting the site of the construction circuit here yesterday.

Also present was State Youth and Sports and Human Resources Committee chairman, Datuk Rozi Mamat.

Ahmad Razif said the 2.4-ha circuit has the capacity to accommodate 1,500 spectators at any one time and would be equipped with key components such as a 1.35-km long cub Prix Circuit and a lookout tower among others.

He said to avoid noise disturbance in the vicinity, the Public Works Department was asked to install sound barrel at the circuit. -- BERNAMA