Jepak rep urges gov’t to build Bintulu motorsports circuit to curb ‘rempit’ menace

A file photo of a motorcyclist partaking in a dangerous stunt at Jalan Astana in Kuching. Video: Sarawak Roads Update/Facebook

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, May 14: Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee today urged the Sarawak government to consider building a motorsports circuit in Bintulu as a long-term solution to curb illegal street racing or “rempit” activities involving youths performing dangerous “superman” stunts and possible betting money on public roads.

Debating the motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) Sarawak’s address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, he said recent illegal racing activities on the road after the Tun Taib Mahmud Bridge in Bintulu had raised serious concerns over public safety and law enforcement.

“The youths involved performed ‘superman’ stunts during the races, and there is a strong possibility that betting money was involved.

“This issue is deeply worrying, especially as it involves youths who are the future generation of leaders. ,” he told the august House.

Iskandar pointed out that he had previously raised the proposal in an earlier DUN sitting for the government to build a dedicated motorsports circuit in Bintulu as a preventive measure against youths becoming involved in illegal racing activities.

He said such a facility would provide a safer and more controlled environment for youths to channel their passion and talent in motorsports positively while nurturing potential racers capable of competing at higher levels, including internationally.

“With the existence of a proper circuit, these youths can develop their skills in a safe and organised environment instead of risking lives on public roads,” he stressed.

To support his argument, Iskandar cited the example of Terengganu, where the construction of the Terengganu Motorsports Circuit in Gong Badak, Kuala Nerus, had reportedly succeeded in reducing illegal racing activities in the state.

He noted that the circuit included facilities such as a 1.35km Cub Prix track, a 0.95km sprint test track, drag testing tracks, and a drift arena.

Quoting former Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun, Iskandar said the initiative by the Terengganu government had successfully reduced “mat rempit” activities in the state by up to 90 per cent. — DayakDaily