KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur is planning to set up a night track around the city centre for mat rempit (illegal motorcycle racers) to race.
Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the night track would be modelled after the bi-weekly Car-Free morning, where several roads here would be closed to traffic for few hours to enable cyclists to ride on it.
He said he had discussed the proposal with Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz.
Tengku Adnan said safety barriers would be placed along the identified routes at predetermined time to enable the “mat motors” to race.
“It is not meant to encourage them to race, but to control the situation," he said.
He said the authorities are also looking at turning the event into a carnival, where food trucks would be invited to peddle their food.
Aside from that, Tengku Adnan said they are also planned to organise workshops to teach these motorcyclists to repair their machines, assisting them in developing a skill
However, he said, the proposal is still in a preliminary stage with no location identified yet.
However, Tengku Adnan’s proposal was criticised heavily by The Star Online readers who took to The Star Online Facebook page to share their thoughts.
“It’s a bad idea to always race. What’s your objective?” questioned Facebook user Encik Jman, adding that the move would encourage more people to become mat rempit.
Commenter Nicholas Daniel Raj questioned the importance of the proposal, saying the ministry should instead place priority on the need to provide places to stay for the homeless around the city.
“What about the poor who walk the streets and beg for money just to buy a meal? This is more important?” he questioned.
Tech website TechRod.NET commented: “Most of the bikes used for this illegal racing are stolen bikes or bikes using stolen parts.
“Some don’t t even have road tax and insurance.
“I don’t understand how this proposal would reduce bike theft and other problems that arise from the activity.”
Poster Mona Shari said the move would only encourage more youngsters to take part in illegal racing.
“This won’t stop them from racing illegally since they will obviously practice on the roads and highways in order to enter the night race,” she said.
