MELAKA: The thunderous roar of thousands of RXZ motorcycles during a two-day gathering in the historic city has triggered widespread complaints, spilling into a public exchange between Melaka leaders about its impact on local communities and the tourism industry.
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said the two-day "RXZ Members Ride Edition Melaka 3.0" involving more than 30,000 RXZ motorcycle owners had disrupted residents’ daily routines, affected public tranquillity and raised concerns over traffic safety.
He said multiple complaints were received from residents since the event began on Friday (Dec 12), particularly over excessive noise late at night, which he described as a form of noise pollution.
"Locals also observed that some riders had ignored traffic signals and raced on public roads, endangering other road users during the two-day event," he said when interviewed here on Sunday (Dec 14).
Khoo said the movement of large groups of motorcycles within the city area had left a negative impression among tourists, potentially undermining the historic city’s image as a tourism destination.
While expressing support in principle for events that stimulate the local economy, he said activities involving large numbers of participants must be planned with greater care.
"The state government cannot focus solely on scale and attendance. It must also take into account residents’ quality of life, traffic safety, the city’s image and long-term impact,” he said.
Responding to the criticism, Melaka tourism, heritage, arts and culture committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman said it was unfair to judge the entire event based on the actions of a small number of irresponsible individuals.
He said the programme had generated economic spillover for the state, benefiting small traders, hawkers, hotels and homestay operators across both urban and rural areas.
Abdul Razak stressed that no approval had been granted for illegal activities, dangerous behaviour or any form of disturbance to public order, adding that linking such incidents directly to the official organisation of the event was inaccurate and misleading.
He added that close coordination had been established from the outset with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the police to ensure monitoring and enforcement throughout the programme.
"Firm action against any breach of the law falls under the jurisdiction of the authorities, and the state government fully supports such enforcement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state government is planning a Special Edition RXZ Mega Gathering Melaka 2026 as part of efforts to further boost Visit Melaka Year 2.0 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh here on Saturday (Dec 13), he said future editions would feature wider and more structured convoy routes.
Ab Rauf said the proposed routes would cover key tourism areas across the state, including Bandar Hilir, Klebang, Sungai Rambai, Jasin, Alor Gajah and Umbai, in an effort to better integrate the gathering with the state's tourism landscape.
