Bold steps needed to end illegal racing

THE move to impose heavier penalties on mat rempit, with a RM10,000 fine, jail time and higher insurance to curb this road menace, is something all thinking Malaysians would surely welcome.

It is about time the government got serious enough to take bold steps to deal with these illegal racers who endanger themselves and other road users.

The problem of mat rempit taking part in illegal races for fun or money is not new. In the 1980s, it began as fun races by youngsters experiencing the thrill of speed on souped-up kapcai.

But once a criminal element got involved, things became more intense and the races became more organised, with betting and big prize money offered and encouraging even more races.

Back then, the Federal Highway in Kuala Lumpur was one of the most notorious venues, with spectators arriving in droves and parking on the road shoulder from Jalan Syed Putra, near the Klang bus station in the city centre, right up to the second Subang interchange junction, which was called KFC corner then.

Despite efforts by the cops to shut it down, the menace only grew, with motorbikes getting more powerful over the years and racing spreading to other cities and towns.

Over the decades, many spectators and riders have been killed during these races. The police conducted numerous operations to apprehend racers, with the government always promising to take a tougher stance to combat the problem.

Despite talks and proposals over the years, though, nothing seemed to be able to stop youngsters from continuing this dangerous pastime.

Finally, though, the government gathered its political will and is introducing not only higher penalties but also, for the first time, extending punishment to non-riders involved in the races.

This required amending Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

The amendments will see the minimum fine for these offenders raised from RM300 to between RM5,000 and RM10,000. There will also be some jail time.

In what is probably the most effective step to date, the law will now also go after those affiliated with mat rempit: parents who allow their children under 18 years to participate in illegal races, spectators and, crucially, workshops that modify the racers’ bikes will all be held accountable, with the last risking having their business licences revoked.

Insurance companies will also impose higher premiums on those caught in illegal racing.

The police and Road Transport Department have also proposed setting up CCTV cameras at illegal racing hotspots to identify and arrest racers, starting in Penang.

These are practical and comprehensive moves that might actually have a chance of eradicating this danger that is taking young lives once and for all.