IPOH: Police are taking measures to curb the mat rempit menace and have identified 26 hotspots in Perak used as “racing tracks”, says state police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris.
He said that in Ipoh itself, there were three locations frequented by these street racers.
However, Comm Azizi said that throughout Perak, there were no hotspots in Batu Gajah, Selama and Pengkalan Hulu.
“In all the other districts, based on our intelligence and monitoring activities, we have identified key locations that have been turned into race tracks, especially during weekends.
“We carry out operations periodically, sometimes involving other government agencies, to curb the menace,” he told The Star recently.
Comm Azizi also advised the people not to watch street racing.
“When supporters gather to watch such races, it gives mat rempit more confidence and they get all geared up to perform various stunts that not only endanger their lives, but also those of other road users,” he said.
Comm Azizi added that he had also directed the state Criminal Investigation Department to check the chassis numbers of motorcycles at identified workshops to determine whether these vehicles were stolen or modified.
He said this was among the approaches used by Perak police to curb illegal street racing, along with monitoring imported spare parts that did not meet the country’s specifications.
“We are also taking preventive measures through school liaison officers since many racers are teenagers; we engage with them by advising them,” he said, adding that police also carry out road safety programmes.
“Many of those involved are seeking attention and thrill, often leading to risky behaviour. It is very important to understand youth psychology so that we are able to disseminate proper advice.
“At the police level, we do give advice to those caught in illegal racing, but that alone is insufficient,” he said, adding that some were also involved in criminal activities related to drugs or theft.
Meanwhile, secondary students at a school near here personally received an hour-long talk on the consequences of getting involved in criminal or illegal racing activities from the Perak top cop.
Comm Azizi delivered the talk at SMK Dato Haji Mohd Taib during a road safety advocacy programme in Chemor yesterday.
Listening attentively, the students were advised to pick the right friends to ensure that they don’t get involved with the wrong company.
“Some students involved in illegal racing think that it is cool to ride a motorcycle recklessly, with loud blaring noises from illegally modified vehicles, which is a nuisance to others,” he said.
“The term mat rempit is nothing to be proud of; it is derogatory. Those involved should feel ashamed and humiliated.”
He said students involved in illegal racing or other criminal activities must ask themselves what it is they were lacking.
“Is there a feeling of emptiness within? If that is the case, speak with your family, teachers or even the liaison police officer on how best to plan a better future path,” Comm Azizi said.
He later told reporters that students were not only exposed to criminal activities and traffic offences through their surroundings, but they also get influenced by social media.
He said with trends changing, new approaches were required to handle such matters.
