Treat root causes of Mat Rempit menace, not set up riding academies

Mat Rempit - gangs of bikers

Mariam Mokhtar

For the Mat Rempit, the lure of women and money is secondary. What they thrive on is recognition, the sense of belonging and the ability to achieve. That is why they are easily enticed into joining gangs – to replace the loss of family.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ismail Omar is working together with other agencies to harness the skills of Mat Rempit so that they can be used lawfully. Ismail announced that it was a wonderful proposal as the youth will be educated, that it was an opportunity to scout for riding talents, as one day the Mat Rempit may represent the country in professional motorcycle racing. He even suggested that a riding academy might be started for this purpose.

These latest proposals are nothing new and will prompt many to ask about the progress, or failures, of the other schemes which we were repeatedly told, would help rid us of the Mat Rempit scourge.

Although the police and politicians should be praised for their creative efforts in solving the Mat Rempit menace, why do they refuse to go back to basics when dealing with the Mat Rempit?

Children need firmness and discipline during their early school years. More importantly, parents must fulfil their responsibilities at home, and provide adequate parental guidance and attention.

Back in June 2009, the Terengganu state government went on an ‘all-out crusade to rid public roads of Mat Rempit by offering to sponsor them for international motorcycle grand prix events’.

The Mentri Besar, Ahmad Said said, “We are willing to render other assistance to those who are interested in becoming professional racers besides sponsoring them for the grand prix circuit.”

Last week,in Terengganu, three Mat Rempit were killed when they collided during a race along an uncompleted stretch of the East Coast (LPT) highway. project. One was decapitated after a crash which occurred during a stunt performed at speeds in excess of 100km per hour.

Also in June 2009, the Malacca state government announced that it would offer RM6,000 loans to those Mat Rempit who were interested in obtaining their micro-light aircraft pilot licence.

The Malacca Chief Minister said, “I hope the Mat Rempit will take up the offer and learn how to fly an aircraft instead of racing illegally on the roads and getting themselves killed.”

In 2008, the Kedah Government also proposed the building of a special circuit in a move to reduce the rate of road accident.

Despite the moves of the authorities to allow non-professional racers to be held in Sepang and Pasir Gudang, few Mat Rempit were willing to go to a circuit that was distant and then pay the fee to use the track which ranged from RM70 to RM100.

Lenient parents lead to bad uncontrollable children who grow up into worse irresponsible adults. These Mat Rempit know that when they race on public roads, they are endangering the lives of other road users and themselves.

They have little regard for the law and for authority. They continue to break the rules. Fining them is proving to be ineffective as they do not have money to pay the fines. Impounding their motorbikes means the risk of an increase in motorcycle thefts.

For the Mat Rempit, the lure of women and money is secondary. What they thrive on is recognition, the sense of belonging and the ability to achieve. That is why they are easily enticed into joining gangs – to replace the loss of family.

Why can’t we as parents grasp what is known as ‘tough love’ and be firm about setting the boundaries for our children?”

Instead of giving the Mat Rempit riding academies, loans for flying courses and racing tracks, why not teach them about discipline, respect and responsibility, both at school and at home, whilst they are still in their formative years.

Maybe then, they may grow to have aspirations to make their lives more meaningful rather than seek recognition through cheap thrills on the roads.