The viral “sea of Mat Rempits” who occupied most lanes and went against the traffic on a Penang highway was, in fact, “running away” from police, as confirmed by PDRM.
In an official statement issued yesterday evening (August 8), the chief police of the North Seberang Perai district in Penang, Anuar said that following an investigation of the viral video, the police found out that the incident that involved over 300 Mat Rempits took place on Sunday (August 4) around 7 PM.
In what was initially thought to be a gathering of the illegal riders, Anuar said was an attempt for the gang to flee from a roadblock, known as “Operasi Samseng Jalanan” set up by the police.
Upon seeing the presence of the police, Anuar said,
“The gang ran away from the roadblock by riding against traffic.”
Only 1 rider was arrested
The viral video shows the Mat Rempits occupying most lanes on the highway, forcing other drivers to use only the middle lane.
“They were running away from the BORR Bagan Ajam toll and headed towards the Container Terminal in North Butterworth (NBCT).”
In the operation, PDRM only managed to arrest 1 rider under Section 42(1) Road Transportation Act 1987 for riding recklessly and dangerously. 25 other motorcycles were also confiscated and taken back to the police station for multiple offences.
In its statement, PDRM also reminds all road users not to do anything dangerous on the road that will cause harm to others.
The viral video has since led to an outrage among social media users who were baffled to see the illegal riders putting others’ lives in danger. Regardless, we do hope more stern actions will be taken against Mat Rempit. Do we really need another accident to remind these racers of the dangers?
Also read: Former Basikal Lajak Rider Who Is Now Wheelchair Bound Reminds Teens To Avoid This Bike At All Costs
