Good idea to seize machines of illegal racers

Monday, October 16, 2006 : Article from The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet’s decision to come up with harsher penalties for illegal street racers has received the thumbs-up from various parties.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said it was high time that the law was amended to hit the Mat Rempit where it hurts most – by seizing their precious machines.

“We could see a sudden drop in illegal racing cases if the proposed amendment to the law is implemented and enforced.

“We may even be able to eradicate the menace,” he told reporters in Alor Star.

Radzi said the law should not go easy on the Mat Rempit as their irresponsible acts put other people’s lives in danger.

Federal police traffic chief Senior Asst Comm (II) Nooryah Md Anvar said: “We have been waiting for such a decision since the Mat Rempit are not obeying the law.”

“We need to make these Mat Rempit realise their mistake because they have taken away many innocent lives,” she added.

MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong said the Cabinet decision was one that no one should object to.

He believed that the Cabinet had also taken the families of victims into consideration before making the decision.

Putera Umno chief Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said he supported the proposal “101%”.

“I am the chief of Putera Umno, which comes under the ruling party. And so I always back the Government’s decision.

“Besides, the existence of Putera Umno is not to become the organiser of illegal racing. Rather, we want to change their negative attitude and put them back on the proper track,” he said.

He added that Putera Umno was working closely with the Youth and Sports Ministry to provide a platform for the Mat Rempit to race legally at a circuit.