KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is planning to close certain city roads to traffic to allow mat rempit or mat motor to race, as a form of entertainment for them.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor said the night track would be modelled after the bi-weekly Car-Free morning in Kuala Lumpur, where several roads in Kuala Lumpur would be closed to traffic for few hours to enable the mat motor to ride unhampered.
“It is not meant to encourage them to race, but to control the situation because we are aware that this is their only form of entertainment due to the high cost of living,” he said at the opening of the Taman Metropolitan Batu bridge yesterday.
Tengku Adnan said he had discussed the proposal with Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz, and were looking at turning the entire event into a carnival complete with food trucks.
He also said they plan to organise workshops to teach motorcyclists to repair their machines, assisting them in developing a skill.
Tengku Adnan said safety barriers would be placed along the identified routes at a predetermined time to enable the mat motor to race.
However, Tengku Adnan’s proposal was criticised heavily by The Star Online readers who took to The Star Online Facebook page to share their thoughts.
“It’s a bad idea to always race. What’s your objective,” questioned Facebook user Encik Jman, adding that the move would encourage more people to become mat rempit.
Commenter Nicholas Daniel Raj questioned the importance of the proposal, saying the ministry should instead place priority on the need to provide places to stay for the homeless around the city.
“What about the poor who walk the streets and beg for money just to buy a meal? This is more important?” he questioned.
Tech website TechRod.NET commented: “Most of the bikes used for this illegal racing are stolen bikes or bikes using stolen parts.
“Some don’t t even have road tax and insurance.
“I don’t understand how this proposal would reduce bike theft and other problems that arise from the activity.”
Poster Mona Shari said the move would only encourage more youngsters to take part in illegal racing.
“This won’t stop them from racing illegally since they will obviously practice on the roads and highways in order to enter the night race,” she said.
