IPOH: Over 100 mat rempit (street racers) rounded up in an operation over the weekend were given a tongue lashing by police and then by an even greater authority – their parents, which caused some to break down in tears.
The delinquents, who included 69 students, were first made to push their vehicles for over 5km to get to the Kampung Tawas police station.
At the police station, they were told off by Perak police chief Datuk Comm Azizi Mat Aris.
Then it was time for them to face the music from their parents, who had been called in, causing several of them to break into tears.
They were finally allowed to go home with their families just before midnight on Sunday.
Briefing reporters on the Op Samseng Jalanan at Jalan Meru Raya-Klebang that began at 3pm, Comm Azizi said the students were among 136 persons, aged 12 to 45, who were caught.
He said 22 of the students will be sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exams this year.
“Some children may not know that it is illegal to race on public roads and we urge parents and teachers alike to explain this to them.
“Some were involved in illegal racing while others watched.
“I hope those involved, including the young children, will repent and stay away from illegal racing, as they still have a long way ahead of them in life.
“Some of the children may only be spectators now. But they could get involved and take part in (such activities) later,” he said.
Comm Azizi said school liaison officers will call up the schools and parents of the pupils involved to discuss further remedial action.He said 160 summonses were issued to motorcyclists, including several underage riders, during the operation for offences, which included riding without a licence, illegal modifications, expired licences, fancy registration plates, not wearing helmets and having no “L” stickers.
“We seized 20 motorcycles. Two men in their 20s tested positive for drugs,” he said, adding that the road has become a hotspot and many motorcyclists have turned it into a race track.
Comm Azizi also said a policeman suffered light injuries after a motorcyclist crashed into him during the operation.
“There is always a risk in such an operation,” he said, adding that the Environment Department and National Anti-Drugs Agency were also involved.
