MCA Youth: Illegal racing needs tougher enforcement, not just behavioural change

 

MCA Youth has urged the government to strengthen enforcement against illegal street racing, saying behavioural change and public awareness cannot replace the government’s responsibility to uphold the law.

The call comes after Transport Minister Anthony Loke reportedly said tackling illegal street racing requires behavioural change and greater cooperation from families, schools and the wider community, stressing that enforcement alone would not solve the problem.

Responding to the minister’s remarks, MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said while family upbringing, education and community values all influence young people’s behaviour, Malaysians expect decisive government action when illegal street racing continues to claim innocent lives.

“Public awareness and behavioural change have a role to play, but safeguarding public safety ultimately rests with the government through firm laws, consistent enforcement and effective deterrence,” she stressed.

Saw noted that illegal street racing, reckless riding, excessive speeding and illegal vehicle modifications remain major contributors to serious road accidents, particularly during weekends and late at night.

She said the government’s response has often been reactive, with special enforcement operations such as Ops Samseng Jalanan launched after major fatal accidents before enforcement efforts gradually lose momentum.

(Image: Utusan Malaysia)

“Once public attention fades, illegal racing hotspots re-emerge and residents continue to lodge the same complaints. This recurring cycle exposes the absence of a long-term enforcement strategy,” she reckoned.

According to Saw, lasting behavioural change requires more than encouraging people to make better choices.

“It requires making the consequences of breaking the law severe enough to deter offenders. Behavioural change is important, but it cannot become a substitute for effective enforcement,” she continued.

Saw added that while the public has a responsibility to obey the law, only the government has the authority, resources and enforcement powers to ensure it is upheld.

“The government controls the national budget, enforcement agencies and technological capabilities needed to tackle illegal street racing effectively. The responsibility to lead therefore rests with the government,” she said.

She urged the government to adopt a comprehensive enforcement strategy by establishing a nationwide database of illegal street racing hotspots with continuous monitoring instead of relying on temporary operations.

She also called for wider deployment of AI-powered CCTV, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and automated speed enforcement technology, alongside tougher penalties for illegal street racing, dangerous driving, illegal vehicle modifications and repeat offenders, including stricter vehicle seizure provisions.

In addition, Saw proposed that the government publish monthly enforcement performance indicators to allow the public to assess progress in reducing illegal street racing, while establishing a permanent multi-agency enforcement mechanism involving the Transport Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and local authorities instead of relying on sporadic, publicity-driven operations.

“Malaysians already know illegal street racing is dangerous. What they expect now is a government that demonstrates the determination to enforce the law,” she emphasised.

“Public safety cannot depend on temporary campaigns or appeals for behavioural change alone. It requires sustained enforcement, accountability and decisive government action.” ‒  Focus Malaysia