Police: No large-scale illegal race in Penang
GEORGETOWN - Penang police confirm no large-scale illegal racing activities detected in the state since the horrifying accident at Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway which claimed five lives in July.
Penang Police Chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said throughout the operation and surveillance done, there were several small cases that involved motorcyclists who rode dangerously and had been arrested.
He said police would continue to take strict actions and not compromise with ‘mat rempit’ who were involved in illegal races to curb such activities.
"Since the incident involving the five lives in July, police and a few related agencies are always monitoring and running operations to prevent illegal racing activities in the state.
"As of now, we did not receive any intel that large-scale illegal racing activity took place, however, two or three cases involving motorcyclist that did risky acts such as Superman (pose) and such," he said at a press conference at the Penang Contingent Police Headquarters today.
He said the police would not compromise to remand those arrested due to being involved in illegal racing or riding the motorcycle dangerously.
"The actions are not cruel instead it creates awareness for the public to not be involved in illegal racing activities.
"Our purpose is to prevent the youth from being involved with these unhealthy habits because it would not only endanger themselves but other road users as well.
“The issue of illegal racing is not new, it has been 40 years and we are still working towards reducing it," he explained.
On July 17, five people were killed while two others were gravely injured after they were involved in an accident that involved multiple motorcycles and two cars at Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway.
Police said the incident was caused by illegal racing activities.
On that note Shuhaily said a meeting was held involving related agencies to discuss the steps taken in overcoming the ‘mat rempit’ issue.
"We will formulate a strategy in that special meeting which may be held next week or the following week to discuss the measures of dealing with the issue.
“The integrated meeting will involve various related agencies.
"Penang would be made into the model for a pilot project by using a new strategy in overcoming the mat rempit and illegal racing issue as discussed with the Malaysian Transport Ministry Secretary General Datuk Isham Ishak on August," he said.
Previously the authorities had used a new strategy for overcoming the ‘mat rempit’ and illegal racing issue that was to record the face of those involved before arresting them for further actions.
The approach or new model was hoped to be successful in Penang and at the same time could be applied to other states in the efforts of overcoming the activities.
