He added that he admired the solidarity among Mat Rempits and, if harnessed, they could be an asset to Putera Umno.
And the police were at hands to summon a few caught
Illegal Street Races A Negative Impact On Tourism, Says Deputy IGP; September 07, 2006 19:17 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Illegal street races give the impression of lawlessness in the country and can undermine inbound tourism, Deputy Inspector- General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said Thursday.
He said foreign tourists could get the impression that Malaysian roads were unsafe and spread this message to others overseas.
The action of a small section of society that did not care for the safety of others could tarnish the image of the country, he said when opening a forum on problems of illegal racing at the Police Academy in Cheras, here.
Musa hoped the forum would instill awareness among students who are also attending it on the dangers of illegal racing and the pertinent laws.
According to police statistics, 2,970 of the 3,182 people arrested for illegal racing between January and May this year were aged between 16 and 25 years.
On Wednesday's decision of the Cabinet for police to postpone the enforcement of the reduced quantum of fines for several types of traffic offences, which the Transport Ministry said it had not been informed about, Musa said police would abide by the decision.
Comment by Rohaizad A. Rahim
COME November, there will be an attempt by Putera Umno to change the image of the perceived terrors on the road, the Mat Rempit, and turn them to Mat Cemerlang, and hopefully, they will be reformed.
But whether this will be an exercise in futility remains to be seen. As a first step, Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaludin and Putera Umno chief Datuk Abdul Azeez Rahim mingled with more than 1,500 Mat Rempit at Dataran Merdeka during the weekend in the hope of bringing about these reforms.
Unfortunately, early Wednesday morning, a group of young motorcyclists went on a rampage in Jalan Medang Serai, Bangsar, smashing windscreens of vehicles just because a resident shouted at them for making noise. Don't blame the resident for yelling at them - it was 5am!
So, how does Putera Umno think that the image of these Mat Rempit can be redeemed? Going by the most recent incident, it is unlikely that people will lend support to those they perceive to be the scourge of society.
Azeez thinks he can, and plans to start by organising a carnival in November in an attempt to re-brand them from Mat Rempit to Mat Cemerlang. The movement also plans to organise the Mat Rempit into clubs and have their activities regulated.
It is hoped the movement will do its homework before being overwhelmed by the task they have set upon themselves.
Point number one - these Mat Rempit, or illegal street racers, get their enthusiasm fuelled by defying authority. After all, why should so many of them gather in the wee hours of the morning (the gatherings are already illegal) and race among themselves on public roads, which is also against the law.
Secondly, the police, by way of Kuala Lumpur Traffic Operation and Enforcement chief DSP Tan Hiap Seng, had defined Mat Rempit as young motorcyclists showing off their riding skills and endangering themselves and others in the process.
Putera Umno should get the opinions of others before embarking on this reformation exercise.
For instance, the opinion of traffic police should be sought as they are familiar with the antics and shenanigans of these racers, what more with some of them sustaining near fatal injuries in the course of their duties.
Another good source are the people and motorists themselves. Who among us do not view Mat Rempit and other illegal racers on four wheels as a threat to our well being? Especially when we see a motorcyclist barrelling down the wrong way on a busy street just to escape the law.
Putera Umno's argument that it is difficult to stop the Mat Rempit from pursuing their interests needs clarification, especially when it is an established fact that their interest is racing on public roads, which is against the law.
Another point that requires clarification is that these Mat Rempit should not be viewed as a threat, and that the analogy used - if you can't beat them, join them - is way off mark.
There is also the point about things to be learnt from this group, such as their camaraderie. Yes, they have strong bonding among them, as residents in Jalan Medang Serai found out when vehicles were smashed for yelling to pipe down during the wee hours of the morning.
Perhaps a better option will be for the movement to work with authorities to overcome the problem.
Suggestions, such as getting the Mat Rempit licensed by the Road Transport Department will be a good start, but the more important aspect that needs to be addressed is how to educate them.
Getting streets closed so that they can race among themselves should not be considered at all. It will cause more harm and certainly give the country a bad name among tourists, both local and foreign.
And again, to legalise such races is tantamount to encouraging youths to risk life and limb for the sake of being a jaguh kampung.
Getting them organised into clubs is a good idea but how do you regulate illegal activities? Mat Rempit do it for fame, money, drugs and girls - can society afford this?
The other point of contention is whether their interests will remain if their activities were somehow legalised? A television station which interviewed these Mat Rempit not too long ago found out that it was the “rush” of breaking the law that fuelled their enthusiasm.
It is a difficult issue for Putera Umno to address. On paper, the movement's attempt to reach out to the youth in this sub-culture is good, but what people care about is the results.
What the movement should address is the anti-establishment attitude of Mat Rempit when it comes to respecting the law. It will do the movement no good if those they want to reach out to continue to flout the law.
Therefore, the movement should look into a comprehensive solution to the problem. A re-branding exercise sounds good, but it will remain just that.
Help, Not Criticise, Puteri Umno, Says Najib; September 03, 2006 15:15 PM
UANTAN, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that Puteri Umno, as the party's newest wing, should be helped, not criticised, so that it could continue to be a strong and important asset.
The deputy prime minister said that despite being new, Puteri Umno had proven itself by playing an important role in Umno's success in the last general election and other by-elections.
"Puteri Umno is an important component in the party and its ability has been proven in the last general election and other by-elections.
"We must look into efforts to further strengthen Puteri Umno, especially at the grassroots level where some branches have insufficient members," he told reporters after opening the Paya Besar Umno division's delegates meeting here.
He was asked to comment on party secretary-general Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad's comment Saturday that Puteri Umno was slacking in its membership.
Najib said the movement's contributions were very important to Umno's overall strength and they had succeeded in building a large section of the young generation in the country which supported the government, unlike in some countries where the young generation was anti-establishment.
However, being still young, they needed help because they too faced their own challenges, he said.
"They have certain needs and we must understand their situation and help, support and strengthen them instead of criticising them," he said.
from NST Letters
Put a brake on this dangerous activity; 04 Sep 2006 A.S. Bentong
I HAD the opportunity to celebrate the countdown to Merdeka with my family
in Bentong.
I must congratulate the Majlis Perbandaran Bentong for the fireworks
display, as well as the police who did a wonderful job directing traffic
around the area.
However, my joy was marred by the multitude of Mat Rempit speeding down the
main roads immediately after the fireworks ended.
They showed no concern for the pedestrians, weaving between people walking
back to their cars.
One little accident could have caused a massive pile-up as the main road was
packed with people, cars and the barbaric Mat Rempit who were noisy and
rowdy.
I couldn't help but question the mentality of these youths. Have we really
progressed as a nation in these 49 years? I think not.
By the way, where were the authorities that night? They did a splendid job
before the countdown, but could hardly be seen after that.
A huge number of Mat Rempit could have been caught on that night alone.
North
Thursday January 12, 2006
BY SIRA HABIBU
He did not join in the revelry for the countdown to the new year. Instead, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Mahdzir Khalid was busy counting the number of mat rempit on the road.
(Mat rempit is a colloquial term for daredevils and illegal motor-cycle racers.)
“There were thousands of them, and I lost count,” said Mahdzir, who went patrolling with the police for four hours from New Year Eve to New Year Day.
Although he gave up counting them, Mahdzir vowed not to give up doing something to stop the mat rempit.
“We have a very serious social problem here and we need to address it through the community network,” he said.
Mahdzir suggested getting the views of district and kampung leaders so that all could work together to reach out to the illegal motor-cycle racers.
“The onus is also on the parents to control their children. We have to knock some sense into these mat rempit before they knock others and themselves down,” he said.
Mahdzir, 46, who was sworn in as the new Mentri Besar on Dec 28, said it was frustrating to watch the illegal racers performing their foolish stunts.
“Some were even riding on one wheel, others stood on their moving bikes with their hands raised in the air. Some even had their feet up in the air. The pillion riders were also doing all sorts of acrobatic stunts.
“I am sure most of them are not bad boys. Perhaps it is a form of escapism,” he said.
Mahdzir is planning to build a motorcycle racing circuit in Gurun to provide an avenue for mat rempit to compete without endangering others.
Drug addiction was another problem as “too many youths are involved.”
As a newcomer, Mahdzir is understandably full of zest to get things moving.
How far he can take Kedah on the path to prosperity is yet to be seen
For now, he is concentrating on ways to put a stop to illegal motorcycle racing.
On the administration front, he is taking bold steps to cut down expenses and enhance efficiency.
He plans to close down all the non-performing government-link-ed companies (GLCs) and merge the smaller GLCs.
On development plans, Mahdzir intends to take a more realistic ap-proach.
“I am extending the time frame to achieve the developed status to 2020 instead of the 2010 previously set.
“When we achieve a developed state status, we must make sure no Kedahan is left behind.
“We must eradicate poverty, en-sure that the people progress along with the state and enjoy a better quality of life,” he said.
read
Brush wit a Mat Rempit at
http://www.rkaru.com/?p=39
http://matrempit.blogspot.com/
Saturday August 12, 2006
By MUMTAJ BEGUM
PETALING JAYA: Local movie Remp-It was passed by the Censorship Board without any cut despite the apparent controversial scenes it contains.
According to producer David Teo, the film was submitted to the board for final editing before the digital sound and effects were incorporated.
“I asked their advice on which scenes would be deemed sensitive and they advised me to take out two scenes involving bohsia,” he said.
“I took them out and re-submitted the final print to the board. The film was then let through without any further cuts.”
Remp-It, released nationwide on Thursday, revolves around a gang of illegal motorcycle racers whose lives are made up of a heady brew of sex, drugs and brawls.
It stars Farid Kamil, Zul Huzaimy, Aqasha, Cat Farish (of Ruffedge fame) and Julia Hana.
The movie received some unfavourable publicity when a local tabloid suggested the filmmakers had included too many saucy scenes.
Director Ahmad Idham said: “The cost of cutting a scene out of the film after it goes through digital sound formatting would have been too expensive. So I am grateful to the board for helping us filter it before we submitted the final print.”
The board could not be contacted at press time.
The “controversial” scenes include a woman clad in a towel, a man and woman in bed under a blanket, a bohsia seducing a man in bed and a couple frolicking at a picnic site.
The four “eye-popping scenes” – as the tabloid billed them – make up eight minutes of the 95-minute film.
Ahmad said: “These scenes need to be included in the film; they are not there just for publicity. You need to see the whole picture before passing judgment.”
“The film’s message is to show the life of a Mat Rempit (racer).
“Instead of saying ‘don’t do this’, I want to show the audience that this is their way of life and let the viewer decide what’s right and wrong,” he said.
Sun 3 Sep 06
Young mums fume at Blair plan to tackle tearaways
By Deborah Haynes
LONDON (Reuters) - Young, single mothers in London are fuming at comments by Prime Minister Tony Blair that their children run a high risk of turning into delinquents without help from the state.
It is unfair, they argue, to blacklist a child or even an unborn baby just because his or her parents are unwed teenagers rather than a well-to-do married couple.
A welfare expert agreed, saying that the remarks by Blair, who this week embarks on a regional tour to tackle "social exclusion", were probably made without proper consideration.
The prime minister said on Thursday that the government should intervene early -- possibly even before birth -- to stop the children of problem families growing up into troublemakers.
He singled out unmarried, teenage mothers who were not in a stable relationship as his prime target.
Victoria Clarke, 23, who lives in a local authority flat in southeast London, fell pregnant with her first baby when she was 17 and is expecting her third child in November.
Unmarried but in a long-term relationship with the father of her children, she ridiculed Blair's ideas.
"Tony Blair is talking rubbish. We have got more than enough experience to bring up our children properly," Clarke said, as she pushed Megan, aged five, and two-year-old Ronnie in a buggy.
"Some people have a good background and still grow up to take drugs," she said, emphasising that she tried to instil good values into her young family.
IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT PRIVILEGE
Her friend, Danielle Richards, also 23 and from southeast London, agreed. Richards -- like her mother before her -- became pregnant with her first child at 16 and now has two healthy girls with her long-term boyfriend.
"I think Tony Blair should try to look at himself. His own son got into trouble for drinking alcohol," she told Reuters.
Richards was referring to an incident in 2000 when the prime minister's oldest son, Euan, then aged 16, was arrested after a night of under-age drinking in London's West End.
"It is not all about coming from a privileged background," she said. "Sometimes, the tougher your upbringing the more you want your own kids to succeed."
A few hundred metres from where the two women were talking lies the sprawling Aylesbury Estate, home to some 8,000 people, many from deprived backgrounds and broken homes who would fall under the category of Blair's "dysfunctional" families.
In his BBC interview, Blair suggested teenage mothers could be required to accept state aid with bringing up their children and even face sanctions if they refused.
Cathie MacIver, health and education coordinator for Aylesbury New Deal for Communities (NDC), a government-sponsored programme to rejuvenate the Aylesbury Estate, disagreed with Blair's approach.
"I do feel that he may have made his remarks in a moment when he wasn't considering quite what he was saying because the message he sends out is somewhat shocking," MacIver said.
"Far from speaking in a negative way about our unmarried teenage mums we all ought to be taking a much more supportive line."
The NDC runs a number of projects in the community to promote better health, welfare and education, said MacIver.
Groups of young mothers with their children, for example, meet each week to learn how to cook simple nutritious meals.
This article: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=1301512006
Last updated: 03-Sep-06 11:54 BST
The Bus Driver prefered to land on the drain rather than smashed up the heavy vehicle in front
ABOVE & BELOW:Another smash-up at 60-70 km/hr?
ABOVE & BELOW:This Kancil that "kiss and tell" at low speed
ABOVE: An old wira with little damage at low impact and BELOW: The traffic policeman can only watch the jam as the vehicles on opposite lanes are slowing down to have a closere look of the pile up
After the rains, and with Sungai Damansara clogged up, it will take a while for the flood waters to subside
These cars escaped the higher flood wsters which rose to 1 m in some areas
ABOVE: By nightfall, the Shah Alam underpass is still impassable to light vehicles and BELOW: The long queue of vehicles waiting for their turns to move on the outer lane
And in KL, the flash floods are a common occurance whenever it pours in those roads near the rivers.
But when the floods are above .2m, one must parked besides the roads and wait
