69 students among 136 nabbed in illegal racing crackdown

 

Perak police chief Azizi Mat Aris said those arrested were for illegal street racing and for watching the races. (Facebook pic)

IPOH: 

Some 136 people, including 69 students, were arrested by police for illegal racing on Jalan Klebang Ria here yesterday evening.

The operation, involving the Perak police, the environment department and the National Anti-Drugs Agency, began at 6.30pm and continued until the early hours of this morning.

Perak police chief Azizi Mat Aris said 130 men and six women, aged between 12 and 45, were arrested for illegal street racing and for watching the races.

“We acted on public complaints after receiving reports of disturbances and traffic violations in the Klebang area. 

The suspects were detained under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act (for reckless and dangerous driving) and they are in custody for further investigation,

 he told reporters at the Kampung Tawas police station after the operation.

Azizi said two of those detained, who were not students, tested positive for methamphetamine.

Police also issued 168 summonses for various violations, including 40 for riding without licences, 29 for not having side mirrors and 22 for improper number plates. Twenty motorcycles were also seized.

He said there was a troubling trend of spectators bringing along their families, including children, to watch the illegal races, contributing to the public disturbance.

“Many of those detained were spectators, some as young as 12. Initially, they may just watch, but there’s a chance they might eventually participate in these illegal races.

I am unhappy about the behaviour of these reckless riders who disregard traffic laws. I urge them to reflect on their actions,

 he said.

Azizi said a police corporal sustained minor injuries when he was scraped by a motorcycle.. - FMT