‘OP EKZOS’ NETS RM1.22M IN 20 DAYS
4,087 summonses issued nationwide to motorcyclists with modified exhaust pipes
JUST 20 days into police’s nationwide operations against motorcyclists with modified exhaust pipes, the authorities have already issued 4,087 summonses amounting to RM1.22 million.
Any motorcyclist caught with modified exhaust pipes can be issued a minimum RM300 fine on sight.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said Bukit Aman’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) personnel had so far inspected 59,727 motorcycles in the operation, dubbed Op Ekzos Bising, which began on March 1.
He said the operation, conducted jointly with a number of agencies, aimed at ensuring a higher safety compliance level among motorcyclists, especially those between the ages of 20 and 30, who are prone to making modifications to their bikes.
“Of late, police have received numerous complaints about noise pollution by irresponsible motorcyclists.
“This is usually the result of illegal modifications to the exhaust pipes. Many young bikers are under the impression that modifying a bike’s exhaust and making it louder will lead to better speed and engine performance, but that is not true.
“It’s a myth. It does nothing except cause noise and environmental pollution,” he told reporters at a press conference in Bukit Aman yesterday.
Also present was Bukit Aman
Traffic Investigation and Enforcement director Datuk Azisman Alias.
He said JSPT was working with other enforcement agencies, including the Department of Environment (DoE), for the operations.
During the inspections, police will measure the bikes’ allowable exhaust noise level. If the noise level exceeds the DoE’s limits, the rider will be issued a RM300 compound.
The compound is fixed and cannot be reduced.
Abdul Hamid said he understood that certain quarters were unhappy over the move.
“We don’t have a choice. We have tried educating the riders through road shows, warnings and safety campaigns all-year round, but some remain unconcerned.
“We don’t mean to add to anyone’s financial burden but are only carrying out our duties.”
He noted that any kind of illegal modifications on a vehicle would also affect the insurance claims quantum in the event of a crash.
“Motorcyclists and pillion riders make up the most number of deaths every year compared with other vehicles. As such, we want to inculcate a safe riding culture.”
He said that there had been more than 80,000 accidents involving motorcycles annually for the past three years, with an average of 15 per cent fatality rate for bikers and pillion riders.
“Some of these modifications can cost between RM200 and RM2,000 yet some do not mind spending on them.”
At the press conference, Abdul Hamid invited experts from the Malaysian Motorcycle Racers Association to share and debunk the myths behind the modfications.
Among those who shared their experiences at the press conference were 1996 Malaysia Cup Prix champion Wazi Abdul Hamid, as well as Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini, the first Malaysian racer to join the Moto GP.