Ku Nan: Critics don't understand my vision to give 'Mat Rempits' space to race

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to allow mat rempits on city roads are not to legalise them, but just to give them the space to race, says Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (pix).
Tengku Adnan, speaking at the launch of DBKL's series of Planning Guideline Books at DBKL Tower today, said that by giving them the space he hopes it would keep them from racing in neighbourhood areas.
"I'm not legalising them but I'm just giving them the space. After giving them space, hopefully they will not race in neighborhoods. Maybe we can allow these races to take place monthly once or twice. Pity these mat rempits, they don't have other types of entertainment," he said.
He added that it would be similar to car free mornings that are organised on Sundays fortnightly.
"Maybe they can take similar routes and then end in Padang Merbok and have some entertainment activities there, like jamming sessions or something," he added.
He said various quarters, especially the Opposition was against his suggestion because they don't understand his plan.
"They don't understand because they don't walk the streets like I do. Pity these mat rempits. Most of them race because they don't have other entertainment. I will be talking to JPJ, the police and Ministry of Transport to iron out the details," he said.
Tengku Adnan added that he hoped this would curb the illegal betting that came with illegal racing, since he has heard that some race organisers offer girls to the winners as prizes.
The idea which was mooted by Tengku Adnan last month, met with criticisms from various quarters.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said a detailed study on the matter, including traffic congestion and accident risk, needs to be carried out, while Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar was reported as saying that he would meet Tengku Adnan to discuss the proposal.
Meanwhile, Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) said motorcycle insurance policy does not cover activities as racing and it is an exclusion under the policy.
PIAM said any such activity is done at the rider's own risk and if they injure a third party or damage another person's property, they will be personally responsible for any damage costs.
"In the event an Insurer (Insurance Company) is held liable to pay by virtue of the provisions under Section 96 of the Road Transport Act, the insurer can seek indemnity from the motorcycle owner and/or rider," it said.
PIAM told theSun that legal and professional racers, such as Grand Prix and F1 racers, can get insurance coverage for legitimate racing but there is no insurance coverage for illegal racing.
The insurance body advice to those taking part in such activities to refrain from it.