Harsher Penalties And Maximum Fine For Mat Rempits – JPJ

Mat Rempit (illegal racers) have been making headlines for decades, but nothing appears to be stopping them from causing problems and harm to the public.

Last week, an incident involving several mat rempits happened where three persons were killed while three others were hurt at the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang on July 17.

While many Malaysians are worried about their own safety on the roads, a new approach is on the horizon to address this issue and make the roads a safer environment for everyone.

Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) will imply harsher punishment to those who take part in illegal racing. This was brought up after JPJ noticed that the Mat Rempit culture is growing among youngsters. 

Aedy Fadly Ramli, the JPJ's Deputy Director General for Planning and Operations, stated that a decision regarding the punishment would be finalized soon.

“We have received instructions from the Ministry of Transport to re-examine and re-tighten actions against riders who commit offences that endanger the safety of the public on the road,” he said.

Members of the public who are familiar with the locations where illicit racing activities are common can lodge a report to the JPJ.

“We ask the public to inform us through the traffic complaint channel. We know there are certain hot areas and we are indeed monitoring. JPJ and PDRM are watching them and we will take action,” he added.

For the time being, driving without a valid licence and having an expired road tax are the most frequently committed offences by motorcycle riders.

JPJ has said that it would not make any concessions to the crime and will instead guarantee that the culprits pay the maximum penalties.

Recently, JPJ issued a warning to superbike riders who routinely ride on their learner's permit (L), especially when participating in motorcycle convoys.

Credit: NST

They were advised to obtain a Class B license right away to avoid facing harsh legal consequences if they were found driving without the required documentation.