Cover image via PhotobucketMat Rempits and illegal street racing have been an ongoing issue in Malaysia for years. However, the general public is yet to see any substantial effort by the authorities to improve the situation so far.
Illegal motorcycle street racers in Malaysia are famously known as "Mat Rempit".
These Mat Rempit are notorious for extreme kinds of racing, including performing stunts and other feats on their motorcycles.
In addition to the physical dangers they pose to innocent bystanders and themselves, they have been a public nuisance.
Image via Tunku Aisha
So, when PM Najib Razak asked Malaysians what they want for Budget 2016, a concerned Malaysian took the advantage to propose that the government stop the sales of motorcycles with 90CC-300CC to reduce the rempit problems
Image via Bajet 2016
According to the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOTM), of the total 525,091 motorcycles sold in 2011, 96% had engine capacities lower than 150cc
Image via Zabidi/Six Moment
Naturally, this proposal, if taken into consideration, will affect many regular motorcyclists in Malaysia.
In reaction, netizens have voiced out their opinion on the proposal, with most of them saying that the idea of stopping sales of such bikes does not solve the underlying issue and suggested that the government instill good values instead.
A comment saying that Mat Rempit will resort to using superbikes if the proposal is implemented.
Image via Facebook
A Facebook comment saying that campaigns to instil good values into Mat Rempits should be able to overcome rempit problems.
Image via Facebook
A Facebook comment saying that the issue of rempit has nothing to do with the motorcycle's CC but rather civic consciousness and values.
Image via Facebook
However, how true are these claims? And will the banning of the sales of 90CC-300CC motorcycles really curb these people from participating in illegal street racing activities?
We took a look at past studies on motorcycle fatalities in Malaysia and discovered some interesting findings that could possibly be related to illegal racing activities.
Image via The Star Online
A study published in BioMed Central revealed that peer pressure, boredom and lack of recreational activities, and stress are the main factors that influence a person's participation in illegal racing
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