KOTA BARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has been tasked to crackdown on reckless motorcyclists, known locally as mat rempit, treating the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) departure terminal as a race track.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke described the situation, seen in viral videos online, as both deeply troubling and embarrassing, adding that he has instructed for large-scale JPJ enforcement in the area.
"Any motorcyclist caught racing will have their vehicle immediately confiscated," he said in a post on his official Facebook page on Monday (April 6).
Loke added that such behaviour is unacceptable, particularly considering the federal government has invested nearly RM450mil in upgrading the airport.
"This investment was meant to enhance air connectivity for Kelantan, boost socio-economic development and attract more tourists to the state.
"The reckless actions of these motorcyclists not only put travellers at risk but also sabotage the safety and economic interests of the state," he said.
He also urged Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to tighten access to and from the terminal building to prevent further incidents.
Earlier media reports noted that the area in front of the departure hall at the new LTSIP terminal in Pengkalan Chepa, which has been fully operational for less than a month, had been repeatedly used as a racing track by mat rempit.
The activity reportedly began during Ramadan and continued into last Friday night, drawing public attention after videos by travellers circulated on social media. - Bernama
