KUALA LUMPUR: Movie director Pekin Ibrahim is getting exasperated that the people are confusing mat motor with mat rempit.
Owning a motorcycle and having interest in modifying the two-wheeled vehicle does not mean a person is a mat rempit.
In fact, only a small number of motorcyclists are from the group, with the rest merely being mat motor, or motorcycle enthusiasts, said Pekin, who is also an actor.
Pekin, 34, who considers himself a mat motor, was the director of the movie Mat Moto.
He said he did not like being called a mat rempit as the word had a negative connotation and was often associated with illegal races and social problems.
“The so-called mat rempit are also stubborn and going against the law, mat motor are often more careful,” he said.
Pekin said he had previously been misunderstood because he rode a high-powered motorcycle.
A civil servant who only wanted to be known as Zaidi, said that mat rempit were those who liked to show off their stunts and often moved in groups.
“There are no mat rempit who go solo,” he said.
“Most of the motorcycles used by this group were of the kapcai type, which were heavily modified to make them more powerful.”
Mat motor, however, often made cosmetic changes to their motorcycles, he explained.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) School of Psychology and Human Development senior lecturer Dr Nasrudin Subhi said those involved in mat rempit activities were usually older adolescents or young adults.
“They have the drive. Their courage level is very high.
“They are not too young or middle-aged adults, who will undoubtedly think about their future,” he said.
Given their young age, Dr Nasrudin suggested the group be given skills classes to help them with their free time.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor recently suggested that motorcycle race tracks be provided in certain areas of Kuala Lumpur for mat rempit to conduct races. — Bernama
Big difference between mat motor and mat rempit, says filmmaker
By BERNAMA | 7 March 2016
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