IPOH: If the law allows for “targeted mapping” to curb illegal racing, that will be a good way to tackle the menace, say several non-governmental organisations.

They were responding to a suggestion by the Perak police to find new ways such as “targeted mapping” to curb illegal racing.

The representatives from the NGOs also gave several suggestions on what could be done to curb the unhealthy habit.

Ipoh City Watch president Professor Richard Ng said it was a great idea that could kill two birds with one stone, adding that illegal racing was not something new.

“It has been in existence for so many years, and happens everywhere, not only in Malaysia but also in other countries.

“Providing a specific place for them to race can help prevent illegal races and harm to other road users,” he suggested.

Ng said firstly it was important to understand why these illegal racers are involved in such acts.

“Psychologically, they have pride and ego. They want to channel their extra energy and delve into daredevil acts, as they are attention seekers.

“Thus, the government through the Sports Ministry in collaboration with the Education Ministry, police, and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), including the local authorities should look into developing a venue for such"sports".

“However, these people must first obtain special permits before they can participate.

“This permit must be given only after they have undergone a course in safety and health hazards including drug abuse and prevention,” he added.

Ng said the government, corporate companies and NGOs could help organise more programmes and turn it into a healthy competition and sports.

“The youth are the future leaders who can be nurtured,” he added.

Recently, state police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris had said that by carrying out targeted mapping, police would be able to identify locations of where illegal racers reside.

He had said that this out-of-the-box approach could lead police to get to the houses of the Mat Rempit before they hit the road.

Comm Azizi added that by knowing where these illegal racers live, they would also be aware of workshops that carry out illegal motorcycle modifications.

“As such, I need to look into the legal provisions first, on whether we are able to go to ‘targeted’ houses, check the motorcycles as well as go to workshops that carry out these illegal modifications,” he had told The Star recently.

Ipoh Family Wellness Club president P. Mangaleswary agreed that whether 'targeted mapping' was legal needed to be determined first.

She said police need to get legal advice on the matter before they could proceed with 'targeted mapping' to tackle Mat Rempit cases.

“If the police are advised that it is legal, then yes by all means, the police should proceed with 'targeted mapping' which will lead them to the source of the Mat Rempit nuisance, and may derail or even deter their illegal racing.

“The other conventional actions to curb illegal racings as well as awareness events and talks do not seem to have been too effective.

“Hopefully 'targeted mapping', if legal, will be more effective in dealing with the problem,” she added.

AJ Kinta Perak Community Welfare Association president Roslan Ali said he did not agree with the acts carried out by the illegal racers.

He said as a Muslim, he was saddened by the way parents do not care about their children's activities.

“Illegal racing is a great sin in Islam. It is also a form of 'suicide', and suicide is forbidden in Islam and a sin, and most of these Mat Rempit are Muslim,” he said.

Roslan said as parents, it was important to pay attention to what activities their children were carrying out daily.

He said whether they are involved in illegal racing,most parents do not care, or do not want to know what activities their children are associated with.

“Therefore I would like to stress to those who like to show their heroism on the streets, that they need to be thoroughly punished, their motorcycles confiscated, and videos taken of them performing the illegal race.

“When parents do not take into account their children’s activities, eventually, when their (children's) lives 'end' on the road, then parents should not regret,” he added.

Roslan hoped that the police and the JPJ would play an important role in every school where students ride motorcycles to educate them on the importance of safety, and not getting involved in illegal racing.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/22/039targeted-mapping039-if-legal-a-good-way-to-curb-illegal-racing-say-ngos