KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry has been urged to investigate why Malay youth are into illegal motorcycle racing even after many have died, in order to put a full stop to the activity once and for all.
Datuk Johari Abdul (Sg Petani-PH), when debating the Road Transport Act (Amendment) 2022 Bill, said the government should conduct a study on “mat rempit”, the majority of whom comprise Malays.
“Every weekend we can see in the suburban areas in Johor and Penang (motorcycle racing).
“I don’t know why they like to race (illegally). There must be a reason. People don’t just do something without a reason.
“If we can find out the reason, then actions can be taken to stop this,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today during the second reading debate.
The mat rempit issue was also brought up by R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH), who urged the Road Transport Department and authorities in Penang to take action to curb the dangerous activity.
This follows a recent accident in Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, Penang, in July where four motorcyclists died in an accident after engaging in illegal racing.
“It was very sad. Some of the victims were married, and one was only 18 years old, leaving their parents behind.
“I plead for the Road Transport Department in Penang to take actions such as inspecting hotspots to enhance road safety in the area,” he said.
Answering these questions, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong (Ayer Hitam-BN) said enforcement is not the only way to curb the problem, as advocating for the community is also as important.
For instance, he said, one of the victims involved in the July accident in Penang was the son of a workshop owner who does modifications on vehicles.
Wee stressed that the mat rempit issue is not only about motorcycle riding, but also illegal modifications to bikes, as well as awareness among youth.
He said it is an issue that will need advocating among youth and the government has been putting a lot of effort into the matter. – The Vibes, October 6, 2022.
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