Youth and Sports Ministry to tap 'mat lajak' talents

KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry has plans to train "mat lajak" at National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) to tap their talents.

It's minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said there are two types of "mat lajak" - one who likes to modify bicycles while the other prefers "the need for speed."

He said those with modifying skills can be taught welding and putting together bicycles with better safety features while those yearned for speed can be trained to participate in competitive races.

He said the ministry will get inputs from various stakeholders and communities to ensure the mat lajak's passion be "put in the right place."

The minister was responding to calls for new laws to act against shops or individuals providing modifications to transform bicycles into “basikal lajak” or mosquito bicycles.