Debate over road closure for mat rempit races revs on

A file picture of "Mat Rempit" in action.

PETALING JAYA: There seems to be no end to the debate over mat rempit after a Cabinet minister suggested that certain roads be closed in Kuala Lumpur to allow them to race.

Concerned parents felt the authorities should not “indulge” these bikers, while others had various suggestions about mat rempit.

Businessman Ching Seong Tat, 50, said such an idea was not workable.

This would only encourage more youngsters to become mat rempit, said the father of two.

Retail assistant manager Zaki Jaamat, 28, has his reservations too.

“If my children are involved in illegal racing, I think the Govern­ment is actually preparing ‘death lanes’ for them,” he said.

He also questioned whether the authorities were willing to bear the medical costs if these youths met with an accident during the race.

Housewife Winnie Teh, 46, said there were already enough reckless motorcyclists on the road.

“We don’t need mat rempit to make things worse,” she added.

Civil servant Siti Mamat, 45, who had often encountered mat rempit in Kuala Terengganu where she lives, said it was a frustrating experience for her and her family.

“I don’t understand why some parents are willing to buy motorbikes for their children who have yet to obtain a licence,” she said.

Lecturer Suffian Hadi Ayub, 37, said Malaysians had to play a role in curbing the social issues linked to mat rempit.

“Society at large should be more aware about this. We need to be on the lookout for potential social delinquency,” he said.

Public relations officer Cyril Ryan Moderin, 24, hoped that the skills of mat rempit would not be wasted.

“I hope that they can get proper training to allow them to be professional and legal racers,” he said.