Sabah police determined to nip resurgence of mat rempit culture in KK

Deputy Comm Jauteh (middle) witnessing outgoing Sabah Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa (left) handing over duties to new chief Supt Rosdi Mat Jusoh.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police have set their sights on three busy stretches in the city that have seen a resurgence in mat rempit (reckless motorcycling) activities.

The authorities have identified Jalan Kepayan Aeropod which is the main road leading to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport as well as Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens in the city centre.

The third was the stretch along the usually-packed Anjung Selera food court which was part of the scenic Kota Kinabalu waterfront.

Sabah Deputy Police Chief Deputy Comm Datuk Jauteh Dikun stressed that they will conduct special operations regularly at the locations to ensure the mat rempit menace does not become rampant.

He said the police intended to do as such due to the constant complaints from the public who felt disturbed by such activities.

He explained personnel from both the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) at the state contingent as well as Kota Kinabalu police headquarters have mounted a series of roadblocks at three areas since the middle of last year.

“But the activities still persisted especially when traffic officers and personnel had to be deployed for other tasks, resulting in their non-presence there.

“As a result, the mat rempit activities came back. So, the Sabah police contingent will ensure continuous operations will be implemented at the stretches,” said Deputy Comm Jauteh.

He told this to reporters after witnessing the handing over of duties from outgoing Sabah JSPT chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa to new chief Supt Rosdi Mat Jusoh at the Sabah police headquarters in Kepayan here on Wednesday (Jan 4).

Elaborating further, Deputy Comm Jauteh said the illegal riders would normally race through the stretches around midnight on weekends, to the extent of endangering the safety of other motorists.

“The crowd at Anjung Selera also felt troubled by the loud blaring noises (as a result of the illegal racing).

“So, we will ensure this social ill will be fully curbed so that the safety of road users in these areas are taken care of,” he said, adding that the public could also help by tipping off the authorities.