Bad idea to allow ‘mat rempit’ race on KL roads, says Penang councillor

Putrajaya's plan to allow illegal motorcycle racing in Kuala Lumpur at night by closing several city roads is a weak and ineffective approach to address the problem of "mat rempit" (illegal racers), said DAP's Syerleena Abdul Rashid. Syerleena, who is the political education director of the Penang Wanita DAP, said the government should instead conduct research to prevent the social ill from escalating further, instead of sanctioning the illegal activity. "Our problem with illegal street car racing is nothing new. In the past decade, numerous reports of vehicle accidents and various gang related activities have been closely linked with the mat rempit culture. "It is pathetic that until today, the government is unable to address this issue effectively," she said in a statement. The Penang municipal councillor said strict and effective enforcement was crucial to dissuade racers from joining such activities. Syeerlena (pic, left) was responding to the suggestion by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor to close Kuala Lumpur roads to cars for one or two nights a week in order to allow motorcycle street racing, an activity by motorcyclists known as "mat rempit" because of their high speeds and daredevil stunts. The minister said past approaches such as persuading them to use proper racing circuits had been futile, and that it was better to allow the activity under a controlled situation. But Syeerlena said that there would be other safety concerns such as the endangering of lives, risks to other road users and members of the public, as well as possible property damage. "This will increase repair costs for the cities or local councils and this is not what our taxpayers should be paying for." She added that the activity could also lead to problems such as increase in auto theft cases, escalating gang violence and other gang-related activities. "Malaysians deserve the chance to live financially sustainable lives in emotionally healthy homes. They deserve the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge needed to survive in a rapidly developing nation. "Sanctioning illegal street racing will provide none of the above and is simply a bad idea; therefore, the government must exercise absolute diligence before supporting such a controversial move." – February 23, 2016.]]>