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Whipping Being Considered To Curb Mat Rempit Menace

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) - A severe penalty including whipping is being considered by the government to curtail the `Mat Rempit' (illegal motorcycle racers) menace.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohamed Johari Baharum said the situation was getting serious as `Mat Rempit' were getting bolder and more unruly and were even hurling objects at policemen.

"Besides confiscating their machines, we may ask the government to introduce a more deterrent sentence such as whipping," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Hashim Jahaya (BN-Kuala Kedah) in the Dewan Rakyat, Tuesday.

Commenting on the unruly behaviour of `Mat Rempit', Mohamed Johari said they could be under the influence of drugs such as syabu.

To another supplementary question from Lau Yeng Peng (BN-Puchong), he said on that the whole, 'Mat Rempit' activities, especially in certain areas in Kuala Lumpur, were under control.

However, according to the police, `Mat Rempit' continued to hold illegal races at other places at certain times, he said.

"Everyone must play their part, including parents who shouldn't allow their children to ride motorcycles without a licence," he said.

Earlier, when responding to the original question from Hashim, he said that as a short-term measure to stem the menace, the police would be conducting frequent operations throughout the year.

"Weekend operations will be stepped up while joint operations with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be held from time to time," he said, adding that firm action would be taken against the racers as well as the spectators.

Answering a supplementary question from Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) who wanted to know when a case was considered "solved", Mohamed Johari said this was when a suspect or suspects were identified by police.

"This is what I understand from the police although sometimes I'm not convinced, but this is the standard not only in our country but is also practised by Interpol," he said.

Labels: Islam Hadhari, Malaysia