KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is finalising amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 to clearly define the term 'mat rempit', the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the draft of the bill has been presented to the Attorney-General's Chambers.
He said among others, the amendments would also cover methods to address reckless and dangerous motorcycle riding, and illegal racing.
It also aimed to serve as a form of prevention for those involved in such activities, said Hasbi, adding that the ministry was not ruling out the inclusion of heavier penalties for related offences.
"Additionally the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the police are continuously working together to carry out integrated enforcement activities involving various enforcement agencies and local authorities," he said.
These include Op Samseng Jalanan to apprehend those involved in illegal racing, social media surveillance or monitoring, and Op Didik education and awareness campaigns.
"We are also restricting the sale or modification of motorcycles that do not follow specifications, in cooperation with relevant agencies such as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
"This includes the sale and modification of items like exhaust pipes, 'squid tyres', small tyres, and modifications to the capacitor discharge ignition and engine control unit, among others," he added.
Hasbi was responding to a question from Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis) in Parliament today.
Pang wanted the minister to explain the most effective measures or actions that could be taken against 'mat rempit' whom he said frequently performed daring stunts on highways, threatening the safety of other road users.