MIRI: Police here seized 16 motorcycles and issued 50 summonses during an overnight operation targeting illegal street racing and disruptive motorcycle activity in the city.
The operation, known as ‘Ops Samseng Jalanan’, was carried out by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of the Miri District Police Headquarters late on Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday.
According to Miri district police chief, ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, the enforcement exercise began at 11.00 pm on 14 March and concluded at about 4.00 am the following morning.
Officers focused on several key routes in the city where complaints from the public had been recorded, including Jalan Piasau, Jalan Miri Bypass, Jalan Marina, Jalan Baitumal and Jalan Tanjung Lobang.
Police said the operation was launched following reports from residents about groups of motorcyclists allegedly engaging in behaviour that disrupted traffic flow and disturbed public peace.
During the operation, officers inspected 37 men and checked 30 motorcycles.
Initial checks revealed a range of traffic offences. These included riding without a valid driving licence, structural modifications to motorcycles, excessively loud modified exhaust systems, missing side mirrors, motorcycles without registration plates and the use of non-standard or so-called ‘fancy’ number plates.
Police said 16 motorcycles were subsequently seized under Section 60 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for further investigation.
Farhan said the police would take a firm stance against any activity linked to illegal street racing or behaviour that could endanger road users.
He warned that enforcement operations would continue and that those found violating traffic laws would face strict action.
“We will not compromise with individuals involved in street gangsterism or reckless riding that puts their own lives and the safety of others at risk,” he said.
Police also reminded motorcyclists to comply with road regulations and avoid making modifications that breach approved vehicle specifications.
Members of the public who have information related to illegal street racing or disruptive motorcycle activity have been urged to report it to the Miri District Police Headquarters.
