A record 2.4 million youths poured into the focal point of the five-day Million Youths Rally 2012 which came to a close yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.

He said the figure was derived from 296,950 vehicles that entered the area (1.1 million people), and those, who thronged various segments along the 6km route (1.3 million).

The estimates were done by the Malaysian Institute for Research in Youth Development, he said, adding that the actual figure will be known in one month's time after a detailed report is compiled.

ahmad shabery cheek 041108 02 Ahmad Shabery ( right ) said the final report would take into account the number of visitors converging the main route to witness events, including a fishing competition in Precinct 13 and a drag race along Lebuh Wadi, Precinct 19.

"We are satisfied that the gathering has not only achieved its turnout target, but also its objective," he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

Ahmad Shabery said a full report on the programme would incorporate reports from other agencies to help identify sponsors as the ministry planned to hold a better event next year.

He said the final report would also evaluate the impact of the gathering in efforts to enhance youth empowerment, creativity, solidarity, organisational capacity, leadership and personal character as well as economic benefits.

Everybody benefitted

Brushing aside claims that the gathering was a waste of public funds, he said it benefited from the multiplier effect as participants spent their money to buy food and items arrayed at some 1,800 stalls and booths set up.

Ahmad Shabery said the Redah 4x4 Challenge and Jet Ski competition attracted participation from Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore.

Two events - star-gazing using 153 telescopes and the longest batik dyeing feat (263.3 metres in length) - entered the Malaysia Book of Records, he said, adding that 2,009 tents were erected while 16 trucks distributed food and drinks to those present.

Ahmad Shabery said the ministry raised sponsorships worth RM27 million in cash and patronage, which exceeded the RM25 million target.

He said 50 government agencies, 70 non-governmental organisations and 264 private companies took part in the third edition of the Million Youths Rally 2012.

NONE Ahmad Shabery also questioned the intention of two opposition leaders who visited drag race injured victims at Putrajaya Hospital.

"I am wondering whether they are trying to gain popularity from the accident.

"If they are really sincere they should also visit policemen and journalists who were beaten up by protesters at the Bersih rally recently," he said.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-presidents, Nurul Izzah Anwar and N Surendran, who visited the victims at Putrajaya Hospital, called for a thorough investigation to be carried out on the incident and offered legal assistance to the victims.

Ahmad Shabery said the ministry would take action on the incident, including blacklisting the organiser of the drag race if it was at fault.

Seventeen spectators at a drag race held in conjunction with the Million Youths Rally 2012 were injured when one of the competing cars skidded and crashed into the crowd during a trial run.

Four of the victims suffered serious injuries. Three of them are warded at Putrajaya Hospital while another had been transferred to Kuala Pilah Hospital.

- Bernama