Heavier Penalties for ‘Mat Rempit’ to Take Effect on Nov 1

Amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 will introduce tougher enforcement measures, including jail terms, for illegal racing and dangerous riding offences.

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Heavier penalties, including imprisonment, for street racers or ‘mat rempit’ will come into force on November 1, following amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).

Road Transport Department (JPJ) Senior Director of Enforcement Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the amendments have been approved by Parliament and are now awaiting the final gazettement process.

According to Harian Metro, he said the amendments would allow enforcement officers to take stronger action against individuals involved in illegal racing and dangerous riding activities.

“The amendments to Act 333 have been approved by Parliament and, if everything proceeds smoothly, they will be enforced from November 1.

“We will impose much heavier penalties, including imprisonment, for ‘mat rempit’ offences,” he said.

Kifli said the amendments under Section 42(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987 would also make it easier for investigating officers to take action against those involved in such offences.

He added that JPJ is currently awaiting feedback from the Attorney General’s Chambers, with the remaining process being the gazettement of the amendments.

The issue of ‘mat rempit’ activities remains a national concern and requires continuous enforcement efforts by the relevant agencies, Kifli said.

He also highlighted recurring incidents involving illegal street racing at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, which will be addressed through closer cooperation between JPJ and the police.

Kifli added that the latest amendments to Act 333 are aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal racing, street hooliganism and other offences involving dangerous riding or driving that could endanger road users.

The amendments are also expected to provide stronger legal provisions for enforcement agencies to take action against individuals involved in dangerous driving and riding activities.