Motorcycle enthusiasts, or ‘mat rempits‘ will soon have the rights to hone their racing skills freely at some city roads as Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor announced that the government will hold legal street races to curb the growing number of illegal motorcycle racing problem that has sprung up lately.
He said a large number of Malaysians turned to unsanctioned racing because it offered economical thrills. The move would allow these motorcyclists to have entertainment in a more ‘controlled’ environment.
The Minister is currently in talks with related agencies including City Hall to provide designated areas and time for them to gather without affecting the public and other motorists.
“I don’t want to call them ‘mat rempit‘ but ‘mat motor‘. We have discussed with City Hall on the proposal to provide space for them to gather.”
“We urge these enthusiasts to come forward and discuss with the Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders (for such plans).
“Probably once a one week, we will allow a car-free day for that purpose, but only for ‘mat motor’ to race at night.
“We will be able to allow them to have it their way but in a controlled environment because we realise that this is entertainment for them. It is better that way as we are able to ensure and provide safety features,” said Tengku Adnan.
The issue raises in lights of the public who had previously complained about motorcyclists being a nuisance in their neighbourhoods. Tengku Adnan however dismissed claims that the move would encourage more youngsters to become Mat Rempits but the move is to curb the problem by encouraging alternative methods like organised racing.
“It’s not encouraging, but you see, we want to see what the people like as mentioned by Najib, ‘Tanya Nadi Rakyat’ (pulse of the people),” he said.
Tengku Adnan also said that the government has previously organised races in enclosed tracks like the one in Batu 3, Shah Alam but the public response was not favourable, which was why many motorcyclists returned to racing illegally in the streets.
“This what the youth want. As the government, we listen to the pulse of the people. We will provide a suitable place and even call food trucks and other things to help them so that they will not race illegally.”
“As they will be gathering with like-mind peers, they may also able to learn more about bikes and use their skills for good use and work as mechanics,” he added.
Source: NST, Malay Mail Online
