KUCHING: Police have arrested seven riders for reckless and dangerous riding, and seized 63 modified motorcycles in a recent operation at Jalan Astana.
The operation codenamed ‘Op Samseng Jalanan’ followed a viral video on Facebook, which depicted a group of motorcyclists riding noisily and in large numbers at a residential area.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the riders were detained under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous riding.
“In addition, 63 motorcycles were found to have been modified, particularly with illegal exhaust systems, and were confiscated under Section 60 of the same Act.
“A total of 1,161 summonses were also issued for various traffic offences during the operation,” he said.
Alexson said police have been consistently monitoring and taking action against illegal street riding activities, particularly in areas frequently used as gathering points for motorcyclists.
From Jan to July 11 this year, traffic police have arrested nine local men, aged between 15 and 20, for similar offences under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
In that same period, a total of 948 individuals and 746 motorcycles were inspected, which resulted in the issuance of 1,230 summonses and 75 motorcycles seized for non-compliance with technical specifications.
In light of this, the public is urged to continue cooperating with the authorities by reporting street racing or illegal modifications to Kuching Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division chief DSP Jo Ak Hang at 019-8660066.
