Return of rempit
Cops ramping up efforts to put brakes on reckless motorcyclist activities, that are expected to rise with relaxed restrictions
PETALING JAYA: Police have cautioned that Malaysia’s transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19 may bring back an unwanted problem – the return of the much-dreaded mat rempit. According to statistics from the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, a total of 632 offenders were arrested and 9,117 summonses issued as a result of the “Ops Samseng Jalanan” this year.
Department deputy director DCP Datuk Mohd Nadzri Hussain said 399 operations had been conducted and 967 vehicles have been impounded.
“This was done between January and March and reflects our commitment to combat street gangsterism at the grassroots.”
He said the shift into the endemic phase may contribute to an increase in such activities, where motorcycle groups engage in illegal acts.
Mohd Nadzri was commenting on an incident on Saturday where three boys aged between 15 and 16 were killed after they were involved in a crash while riding motorcycles in Masai, Johor.
He said 1,125 operations were carried out in 2020, with 2,878 offenders arrested, 20,603 summonses issued and 2,694 vehicles seized.
In 2021, 1,569 operations were conducted, with 2,560 arrests, 24,481 summonses issued and 3,370 vehicles impounded.
“Riding a motorcycle and committing dangerous acts just for the sake of creating content and getting views on social media is an offence under the Road Transport Act 1987, and those involved in street gangsterism can be charged under Section 42 (1).
“Those involved in such acts can directly cause harm to themselves as well as other road users. These acts are becoming increasingly alarming and a threat to public order.
“This phenomenon is a serious social problem involving mainly teenagers and efforts are being intensified by police to address the problem as best as possible,” he told theSun.
Mohd Nadzri said the department is also considering using the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca) against illegal racers, which is seen as an effective action to reduce the activity given the punishment provided under the Act.
“The department has a unit that will constantly monitor social media channels to detect and act against those who post dangerous riding acts online.
“Police will also conduct road safety campaigns with the help of government agencies, departments and the community to reduce the rate of road accidents, such as Op Selamat,
Ops Didik and Ops Integrated,” he said.
PETALING JAYA: Managing vehicle speed is the best way to prevent road crashes, said Global Alliance of Non-Governmental Organisations for Road Safety chairman Prof Kulanthayan K.C. Mani.
He said it is the most promising intervention to solve the problem of road crashes.
Kulanthayan, who is attached to the Universiti Putra Malaysia Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been named the new head of the global alliance for two years, from 2022 to 2024.
He has been a board member since 2019 and is the third chairman since it was founded. He is also the first from Asia.
Kulanthayan has pledged to help meet the goal of a 50% decrease in fatalities and injuries set by the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.
On the 370,286 road crashes reported in Malaysia last year, which involved 4,539 deaths, he said it was equivalent to seven road crashes every 10 minutes and one death every two hours.
“There are many causes for road crashes, but the prime reason is speeding. Beating traffic lights, crossing double lines, using mobile phones and drink driving are examples of why road crashes take place.
“Once speed is managed, drivers can control their vehicles much better, and have the space and time to avoid crashes. In worst-case scenarios, if a crash happens, injuries will be less severe.”
Kulanthayan said he supports a proposal by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research and the Federal Territories Ministry to lower speed limits in residential and school areas in Kuala Lumpur.
“This is in line with the Global Plan, launched by the World Health Organisation. It recommends 30kph speed zones in areas with pedestrian movement and schools.”
He said an adult could tolerate injuries caused by vehicles travelling at speeds of up to 30kph.
“Anything above that would result in possible fatalities. It is much lower in the case of children.”
Kulanthayan said pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are categorised as vulnerable road users, directly exposed to impact caused by collisions.
He added that the riskiest road crashes are those involving frontal collisions, followed by side impact and rear collisions.
“Beating traffic lights and crossing double lines would lead to frontal collisions, which are very dangerous and can easily end up as fatal crashes.”
He said being distracted by mobile phones and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs lead to loss of concentration, creating risks for crashes.