Miri: Police here have seized 10 motorcycles and issued 40 summonses following a targeted crackdown on illegal street riding, an activity that has increasingly drawn complaints from residents in the coastal city.
The operation, mounted by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of Miri District Police Headquarters, focused on several roads identified as hotspots for disruptive motorcycle activity.
District police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the enforcement action was part of ‘Ops Samseng Jalanan’, a police operation aimed at curbing reckless riding, illegal motorcycle modifications and other offences associated with the so-called street gang behaviour.
The operation began at 4 pm on Saturday (March 7) and continued into the early hours today (March 8), ending at about 2 am.
Police set up enforcement and monitoring points along Jalan Piasau, Jalan Miri Bypass, Jalan Marina and Jalan Tanjong Lobang, areas frequently highlighted by the public for late-night motorcycle activity that disturbs traffic flow and residential neighbourhoods.
“Police launched the operation following public complaints regarding groups of motorcyclists whose activities were disrupting traffic and public order,” Farhan said in a statement.
During the operation, officers stopped and inspected 22 individuals, comprising 20 men and two women, along with 15 motorcycles.
Checks revealed a range of traffic violations and vehicle irregularities.
Among the offences detected were riding without a valid driving licence, structural modifications to motorcycles that breach approved specifications, and the installation of altered exhaust systems that produce excessive noise.
Officers also found motorcycles without side mirrors, vehicles without proper registration plates, and several displaying so called “fancy” registration numbers that do not comply with official standards.
Police said 40 traffic summonses were issued for various offences during the enforcement exercise.
Ten motorcycles were subsequently seized under Section 60 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for further investigation.
Farhan stressed that police would continue to take a firm stance against illegal street activities that pose risks to both participants and other road users.
“We will not compromise with individuals involved in street gangsterism activities that endanger themselves and the public,” he said.
Farhan urged motorists, particularly young riders, to respect road laws and avoid altering their motorcycles in ways that breach legal specifications.
He also reminded the public that vehicle modifications affecting structural integrity or noise emissions can result in fines, vehicle seizure and further legal action.
“Motorists are advised to comply with traffic laws and refrain from modifications that deviate from the vehicle’s original specifications,” he said.
Members of the public who have information about illegal street riding or similar activities have been urged to report the matter to Miri District Police Headquarters to assist enforcement efforts.
Police said operations targeting street riding would continue as part of their broader road safety and public order strategy in the district.
