Lee: RM10k fine, 15 years’ jail to end mat rempit menace

PETALING JAYA: Harsher laws and stricter enforcement are needed to curb illegal racing for the sake of public safety, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act was a much-awaited move.

“The time has come for the government to put a stop to the mat rempit menace,” he said.

Among the proposed amendments are higher fines from RM300 to a minimum of RM5,000 up to RM10,000, jail term of up to 15 years, and also punishing parents or guardians who allow the underaged to take part in illegal races.

Lee said these laws would need strict enforcement and also legislation that could allow seizure of motorbikes used in illegal racing.

“Fines can be paid but they will be back on the streets as they still have their bikes.

“There is no law that allows officers to seize the bikes,” he said, adding that there should also be action on bike shops that modify kapcai for illegal racing.

“It is also important to educate the young not to get involved in illegal racing and this should start from school,” he added.

In Johor Baru, police arrested four motorcyclists, including three foreigners, during two traffic operations to nab mat rempit.

Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the first operation was held along the Eastern Dispersal Link highway and the North-South Highway on Thursday.

“The location is known hotspot among youths.Police arrested three foreigners including a female pillion rider for performing dangerous stunts on the public road,” he said in a statement.

ACP Raub said three compounds were issued against the suspects, including illegal modification of their motorcycles.

In another operation, he said a 20-year-old was detained along Jalan Nibong 14 in Taman Daya on Friday.

He said the area was also known for motorcyclists gathering and racing.

“The local was caught doing stunts and endangering himself and other road users.

“Police issued 14 traffic summonses and seized 11 motorcycles,” he said, adding that both cases were being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act.

ACP Raub said police would step up operations during weekends to curb illegal racing.