GEORGE TOWN: Police have arrested 50 mat rempit for performing dangerous stunts and racing illegally at the Seagate beach area along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway in Bayan Lepas near here.
The group, which is said to frequently gather in the area for illegal racing and ride "Superman-style" at night on weekends, was surrounded by police in an operation that began at midnight on Sunday (May 8).
Penang Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Zafri Zolkapli, who led the operation, said all the motorcyclists tried to escape by speeding away, but failed as the route from Batu Maung to the city centre was cordoned off by police.
"We carried out the operation following complaints from the public regarding the activities of a group of motorcyclists who often performed dangerous stunts and made a lot of noise in the area,” he said when contacted.
According to Supt Zafri, police detained 50 suspects comprising teenagers and young adults, the oldest of whom was 30.
They also confiscated 50 motorcycles and two cars and issued a total of 150 summonses for various offences.
All the arrested individuals were then instructed to push their motorcycles for an hour while being escorted by police for an hour to the Bayan Lepas station.
The Seagate beach area has become a hotspot for mat rempit activities due to its long and straight route. – Bernama
