171 nabbed for illegal racing so far this year

 Home minister says police have been ramping up operations to tackle illegal racing more aggressively, especially in identified 'hotspots'.

Police also seized 972 motorcycles between January and May this year. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Police arrested 171 people so far this year during 79 operations to tackle illegal racing, says home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Saifuddin said action had been taken under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless and dangerous driving.

The offence is punishable by a maximum five-year jail term, a fine between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least five years from the date of conviction.

In comparison, police arrested 290 illegal racers last year.

The minister said the cops also seized 972 motorcycles between January and May this year. Throughout 2025, 1,766 motorcycles were confiscated.

“These statistics show that the police have been carrying out more aggressive and continuous enforcement (on illegal racing) especially in several locations identified as hotspots for illegal racing and Mat Rempit,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.

Saifuddin was replying to Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang), who asked about the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to tackle the issue of illegal racing, especially in Kuala Lumpur, given the threat it poses to public safety. - FMT