SERDANG: Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, is suggesting to the government to use the term “Brother Motor” in place of “Mat Rempit” to change the public’s perception of bikers.
Sultan Ibrahim said calling them “Mat Rempit” was akin to labelling them “sampah masyarakat” or “samseng jalanan” (road ganster). Whereas “Brother Motor” would be more appropriate, he said, as it gave the impression of motorcycle enthusiasts who were disciplined road users.
“The new word would create a spirit of unity among bikers as one harmonious family.
“One day, I will organise an event for the ‘Brother Motor’ in the country. To all the ‘Brother Motor’, remember, you must respect other people and don’t use the road as a racing track.”
Sultan Ibrahim also spoke about the time when he scolded noisy bikers outside Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru.
““ told the bikers not to make so much noise in front of the hospital. How do you feel when you hear loud noises in the middle of the night?
“There was this 'brother motor' who was warded at the hospital. He felt sad because the bikers were very noisy,” said Sultan Ibrahim at the inaugural Malaysia Bike Week at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang here today.
He also advised bikers to be extra careful on the road.
“You must obey traffic rules and make sure you have a licence. Negligence can cause road accidents. Before going for a ride, pray for protection throughout the journey,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim noted that many road accidents, which involved youngsters who rode recklessly, had been reported in the country
“Parents have to be strict with their children. Don’t let them ride or drive if they do not have a licence.
“Let them (children) cry now but don’t let (parents) cry in the future,” he said.
After launching the event, Sultan Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the executive chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Motoring Associations, visited the sultan’s personal vehicle collection at the event hall. They were accompanied by the federation’s president, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof.