Illegal street racing is still widespread in Malaysia despite police holding operations and crackdowns to apprehend those involved. If illegal racers are still ambivalent about the penalties involved, the police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), Bukit Aman, is considering the use of the Prevention of Crimes Act (POCA), 1959, against illegal race organisers.
According to JSPT director Datuk Azisman Alias, under the act, illegal race organisers can subject to banishment from the district, as reported by Bernama. “Using POCA will raise awareness amongst those considering breaking the law,” said Azisman.
“Furthermore, those riding motorcycles dangerously who are detained will have their particulars recorded in the police database to deter involvement in such activities,” Azisman said. He added that when a record is made, it will cause the offender to gain negative reputation, especially youth who race illegally.
“So, if a youth has a police record involving illegal racing or committing offence under Section 42 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for dangerous riding, it will become difficult for them to get a job,” Azisman continued. Azisman advised all parties, especially youth, to be aware and avoid involvement in such illegal activities.
This includes monitoring on workshops and individuals who are involved in illegally modifying motorcycles in contravention of JPJ rules and regulations. “We understand there are those who modify their motorcycles to the extent of removing the brake in the pursuit of speed and performing dangerous stunts,” said Azisman, asking for the public to provide information on illegal racing to the police for further action.
So… condemn youths to a life of odd jobs and possibly hard crime for having organized an illegal race when they are at the impressionable age. I wonder who is more irresponsible, the youth or the police. And no, I’m not an irresponsible keyboard warrior so here’s a helpful suggestion, track their mobile after first warning. When they go above a certain speed limit, get them to clean the city streets or perhaps even better, have them do traffic police duty with a police as a mentor. For example, contra flow traffic, mentor police will just stand there and direct these offenders to do their jobs to direct the traffic. Crime scene cleaners, cleaning the river? Have them tied to alam flora, pick up trash from the streets or house to house with a mentor. Get them to follow civil servants and do some of their jobs. Cleaning hospital toilets? Contractors teaches these youth to fix public amenities like road, vandalizes objects.See! free labor and getting the streets clean and safe! Youth may or may not learns to work and contribute to community and down the road, they may become better member of the society. So… My suggestion gives the offenders a chance to learn, gives government staffs free helpers without costing more money to the taxpayers, cleans the streets and neighborhood while saving taxpayers money…