“Where are the drunk drivers when you need them?” Public reacts to Mat Rempit bonanza at toll plaza

 

ACCORDING to the Cambridge dictionary, “dregs of society” is a harsh, disapproving idiom referring to people considered the most worthless, immoral, or undesirable members of a community. 

It suggests a group viewed as the “lowest of the low,” often associated with criminality, poverty or social depravity, functioning similarly to “scum of the earth”

That was precisely the description used by X user Tony Montana (@Y_X_sucks) to describe the Mat Rempits who were filmed gathering en masse at an undisclosed toll plaza. “They are having a party” was his less-than-impressed observation.

The post has generated 207.9K views with plenty of road users expressing their disdain for these daredevils on two wheels.

Some commenters had a novel suggestion – “no need for cops, just send in the drunk drivers to settle all this”. 

Invite garbage trucks to do some drifting! “That way they pick up this version of human rubbish as well,” suggested another fed-up motorist.

A bemused taxpayer lay the blame at lax enforcement by the cops who were busy setting up roadblocks during work hours when everyone knows the problem happens after sun down.

One even went as far to suggest getting the army involved if the police is unable to handle the problem.

Parents of these illegal racers were also taken to task for not bringing up their offspring with the right values or showering them with love.

The usual excuses and laments trotted out by parents of Mat Rempits killed in accidents were also highlighted as a cause for this culture to continually thrive.

Some took the opportunity to score some  political brownie points by highlighting that this was the demographic so beloved by PAS who regularly organise two-wheeler convoys. It was also sarcastically noted that this would be a good place to set up an organ donation booth.

It was further insinuated that this group of nuisance makers are a valuable vote bank, especially for the Terengganu state government.

One further chided that the “Tok Lebai” (religious leaders) would claim that this was their culture. “Let the youth perish needlessly” was the sarcastic observation here.

It was then suggested that this be promoted as “local” culture by the Tourism, Arts and culture Ministry instead of the much-maligned Rain Rave Water Festival.

More than a few lamented that this Mat Rempit culture remained an exclusively Malay phenomena. 

“Don’t blame other races” was the pointed observation of one disgusted citizen who argued that while others were busy building businesses and being entrepreneurs, the Malay youth were wasting their time with this.

Some very disgruntled road users suggested that heavy penalties be imposed to bring an end to this Mat Rempit lifestyle. Start with heavy taxes on modified bikes to stop anyone doing as they please with their rides.

Another commenter went further by suggesting that confiscated bikes be destroyed and offenders be black listed from applying for loans.

The police, parents and even political parties have been blamed for this unwanted cultural phenomenon. 

Concrete solutions are few and far between. So perhaps for the time being, it may be best to put drunk drivers and Mat Rempit together in the hope the destroy each other. – Focus Malaysia