KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Angry and dumbfounded. These were what residents and business owners in Taman Metropolitan Batu felt when they were informed their neighbourhood could be turned into a race track for Mat Rempit.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Mhd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz had suggested a two-kilometre pothole-free stretch between Taman Metropolitan Batu and Jalan Batu Muda after Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor revealed plans to organise motorcycle races to allow Mat Rempit to “hone their skills”.
Many interviewed by Malay Mail yesterday were in the dark over their area turning into a circuit. The proposed stretch covers Jalan 3/18A and Jalan 1/18B.
“The mayor should visit this area first and only then decide. He must take into consideration the noise levels and potential hazards,” said resident S.P. Chandran, 61.
“It is absurd as this is a residential area and they can’t use the roads here to organise races. They did not even consult the residents.”
During Malay Mail’s visit yesterday, there was no median barrier on the two-lane roads that cut through residential and commercial units. There were five speed bumps along the stretch but no potholes throughout the two-kilometre drive. Vehicles were parked along both sides of the road.
Another resident, Lee Kah Wai, 70, said the authorities were unprofessional in proposing the area as a possible race track.
“There are many questions that need answers,” he said.
“Are they disregarding lives to fulfil the thrills of motorcyclists? Who are the organisers and who is going to pay for compensation if the riders or spectators damage public property?”
A 37-year-old restaurateur, who wanted to be known only as Ong, said it was impossible for the authorities to suggest a race track in the area.
“The roads border residential areas. There are a lot of people around and it will be dangerous. I am disappointed,” he said.
A businessman, who only wanted to be identified as Lee, questioned the logic of organising races there.
“If you are going to close the road, how am I going to get back to my house?” the 50-year-old said.
Those living in the area said the stretch is commonly used by motorists as a shorter route connecting Jalan Kuching to Gombak.
Wan Mohd Hirzi, 32, said the area was congested with cars parked along the roads.
“I’m staying at a condominium here and if they close the road for the races, then how will I enter and exit my home?” said Wan.
A 58-year-old cobbler, who wished to be known as Usman, said he disagreed with the plan and the authorities should not encourage but find ways to curb the Mat Rempit menace.
“Even though the race will not affect my business as it will most likely be organised at night, it is still a wrong move by the authorities. If you want to provide these motorcyclists a place to race, get them to race at Sepang (International Circuit).”
