TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has denounced dangerous motorcycle stunts carried out by illegal street racers outside Sultan Ismail Petra Airport as both “sad and shameful”, warning that such behaviour endangers lives and undermines public investment.
The incident took place at the airport’s newly upgraded terminal in Pengkalan Chepa, where a group of riders, commonly referred to as “mat rempit”, were seen performing hazardous manoeuvres in front of the departure hall.
Loke said the federal government had invested nearly RM450 million to modernise the airport, with the aim of improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth in Kelantan.
“The investment is intended to act as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the people of Kelantan, as well as to attract more tourists to the state.
“The behaviour of these mat rempit at the front of the new terminal’s departure hall not only endangers the lives of the public using the airport, but can also be considered a form of sabotage against the state’s safety and economy,” he said in a statement today.
In response, he said the Road Transport Department Malaysia has been directed to carry out large-scale enforcement operations in the area.
Individuals found engaging in illegal racing activities will face strict action, including the immediate seizure of their motorcycles.
At the same time, Loke has instructed Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to tighten access controls to and from the terminal building in order to prevent further incidents.
The issue came to light after footage circulated on social media showing the airport’s departure area being used as an impromptu racing circuit.
Reports indicate that such activities began during Ramadan and escalated on Friday night, despite the terminal having been fully operational for less than a month. - April 6, 2026
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