Reckless motorcyclists sabotaging airport investment, says Loke
KOTA BARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has been ordered to carry out a major crackdown at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) following reports of reckless motorcyclists, known locally as mat rempit, using the area in front of the departure terminal as a “racing track”.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke described the situation as deeply troubling and highly embarrassing, and said he has instructed the JPJ Enforcement Director to carry out a large-scale operation in the area.
“Any motorcyclist caught racing will have their vehicle immediately confiscated,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page.
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, Bernama reported.
He also urged Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to tighten access to and from the terminal building to prevent further incidents.
Earlier media reports said 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.
