‘Mat rempit see themselves as rebels without a cause’

GEORGE TOWN: The thrill, the adrenaline rush and the attention – these are among the reasons why teenagers are turning roads into illegal race tracks, say experts.

Many adolescents believe taking part in illegal street races can help release stress and anger, portraying themselves as rebels without a cause.

Many are also involved in activities like smoking, truancy, glue sniffing, drug addiction, drinking, bullying, vandalism, sexual activity, fighting and gambling, said Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) social psychologist Dr Suzanna Bono.

“The reward they get could be money or sex or the attention of girls. Some see themselves as heroes when they perform dangerous stunts,” she said.

Weighing in: Bono and Chooi share their thoughts on the psychology behind the pursuit of illegal racing.

“If they win a race, it gives them a sense of pride, especially those who are seeking attention or thrills. Street racing is associated with aggressive behaviour and is also related to drug abuse, family problems or broken families and often involve school dropouts.”

In Malaysia, she said those involved in illegal street racing were mostly Malays from the low-and-middle socio-economic groups.

“They tend to consume ketum juice, which is cheaper than drugs. It gives them a high that drives them to defy all obstacles during the race,” she said.

Some youths from other communities are also involved in street racing, often in a show of machismo.

“There is a link between masculinity and speeding,” she said.

Bono said that if teenagers involved in street racing were found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, authorities would need to help these youths deal with their life stressors.

She said parents should constantly check on their children’s whereabouts, especially in the middle of the night.

“Parental negligence is a major issue. As many parents are working, they do not have time to oversee their children. We need more parental control and monitoring,” she said.

Besides fines, punishment and police action, public education was also needed, she added.

Psychological expert Dr Chooi Weng Tink said young riders often feel invincible and thus were more willing to take part in risky activities, even if they were illegal.

“Alone, the person may be unwilling to take part in an illegal activity.

“But once he is with friends, peers or a big community, the inhibition is lowered.”

Chooi said illegal street racing was not unique to Malaysia, but also happened in countries like India and the United States.

With movies and video games glamourising street racing, many youths believe life can be more fun and thrilling with such activities.

To wean them off their bikes, Dr Chooi said more healthy activities were needed.

“I think sports and martial arts should be promoted.

“When youths understand sportsmanship, responsibility, discipline and what it means to use one’s strength for good, perhaps they won’t seek thrills in illegal activities,” she said.