KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of motorcyclists and their pillion riders were stopped at Jalan Semarak here for performing dangerous stunts in the wee hours of New Year’s Day.
The location is believed to be the new “racing track” for groups of motorcyclists who performed dangerous stunts and were racing to usher in the new year.
As early as 2am yesterday, the illegal racers converged at Jalan Semarak after police had earlier cordoned off a stretch of Jalan Tun Razak, which used to be their “track” of choice.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said intelligence gathered showed that the motorcyclists have made Jalan Semarak their illegal racing track since early last month.
“They changed venue after the stretch of Jalan Tun Razak was monitored by police.
“We then cordoned off several roads leading to Jalan Semarak, including Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Gurney, Jalan Datuk Keramat and from the direction of the Police Training Centre.
“Some riders attempted to flee via small alleys but we managed to close off Jalan Semarak fully,” he said at the scene of the operation.
ACP Mohd Zamzuri said 92 traffic summonses were issued during the operation.
“We inspected 147 motorcycles and nine cars. The main offences committed were having fancy number plates and not having a driving licence,” he said.
The operation involving 53 officers and personnel also saw 38 motorcycles seized, he said.
ACP Mohd Zamzuri said the mat rempit have also been posting videos of their exploits on social media sites.
“We are in the midst of identifying the individuals,” he said.
