Starting 1 November, ‘Mat Rempit’ will face heavier penalties, including jail time, for illegal street racing following amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
The amendments have been approved by Parliament and are now awaiting the final gazetting process, according to Road Transport Department (JPJ) Senior Director of Enforcement Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan.
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Heavier penalties will be imposed for ‘Mat Rempit’ offences
Muhammad Kifli said JPJ is currently awaiting feedback from the Attorney General’s Chambers, with the amendments expected to make it easier for enforcement officers to take action against those involved in illegal racing and dangerous riding, as reported by Harian Metro.
He said “mat rempit” activities remain a national concern and require continued enforcement efforts by the relevant agencies.
He added that under Section 42(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987, the amendments would also give investigating officers stronger grounds to take action.
“The amendments to Act 333 have been approved by Parliament and, if everything goes smoothly, they will come into force on 1 November.
“We will impose much heavier penalties, including imprisonment, for ‘mat rempit’ offences.”
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“The new amendments aim to strengthen enforcement against illegal racing”
Muhammad Kifli also said JPJ would work more closely with the police to tackle recurring ‘Mat Rempit’ activities at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu.
He described the issue as a recurring problem and said both agencies would work together to ensure enforcement action is taken.
Meanwhile, the latest amendments to Act 333 aim to strengthen enforcement against illegal racing, street hooliganism, and other offences that put road users at risk.
The amendments are also expected to give enforcement agencies stronger legal powers to take action against those involved in dangerous driving.
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