THE long-suffering silent majority demands that tougher action be taken against Mat Rempit, since there is not a day when we do not hear of these motorcyclists and illegal racers doing something wrong on our roads.

I would like to quote some SMS sent to local dailies:

- “Mat Rempits are a terrible nuisance. Those caught must be given mandatory canning. At least 10 strokes.”

- “Motorbikes seized from Mat Rempits n snatch thieves should be destroyed.”

- “Australian laws allow the authorities to destroy vehicles used in illegal racers. Can v apply this to Mat Rempits? Time to stop them.”

Practically every state or district has waged war on these illegal racers who have been known to throw rocks at police stations, rob people and perform dangerous stunts, to name a few of their offences.

More needs to be done to prevent these motorcyclists from getting out of control. Even young kids on bicycles are emulating their acts. Imagine when these kids grow up and get to ride motorcycles.

It is heartening to note the recent comments by the federal traffic police chief Datuk Hamza Taib that the police had submitted a paper to the Transport Ministry to propose an amendment to give police wider powers dealing with Mat Rempit, including the right to seize their machines.

I also recall Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow as saying that the fight against Mat Rempit was being taken beyond the illegal races during a meeting between his ministry, the police and the Road Safety Department.

Sadly, one year has passed and it’s still all talk, no action.

Statistics show that most of the Mat Rempit who were arrested were between the ages of 16 and 20. Most were charged under the Children’s Act 2002 where punishment is limited.

Any amendment to the Road Transport Act should include higher fines and a deterrent jail sentence and allow the police to seize and destroy offending vehicles. Their licences should be suspended. Repeat offenders should have their licences revoked.

We should send a strong message to illegal racers. If you flout the law, the law will come down hard on you.

T.H.C., Ipoh

Source: NST – January 24, 2008