School Holiday Ends with Arrests in Illegal Street Racing Ops
IPOH – What was supposed to be the final day of the school holiday turned into a harsh reality check for 69 students who were detained during a large-scale operation against illegal street racing on Jalan Klebang Ria yesterday evening. The students were among 136 individuals apprehended during Ops Samseng, conducted by the Royal Malaysian Police (Perak contingent) in collaboration with the Department of Environment and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
Massive Operation Targets Illegal Street Racing
The operation, which began at 6:30 pm and continued into the early hours of this morning, was led by the Perak Criminal Investigation and Traffic Enforcement Department. Perak police chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris reported that a total of 130 men and six women, aged between 12 and 45, were detained for participating in or watching the illegal street races.
“We launched the operation following numerous public complaints regarding disturbances and traffic violations in the Klebang area. Our objective was to restore peace and ensure the safety of the public,” said Azizi during a press conference at Kampung Tawas Police Station.
Youth and Reckless Behaviour: A Dangerous Trend
A concerning discovery during Ops Samseng was the involvement of very young individuals, some as young as 12 years old, among the spectators. This raises alarms about the growing appeal of illegal street racing among minors.
“Most of those detained were spectators, many of whom are students. There’s a risk that their participation as viewers may eventually lead them to become active racers in the future,” Azizi explained.
He further noted that spectators, including families with children, were seen at the illegal race gatherings, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
Police Crackdown: 168 Summonses and Motorcycles Seized
In addition to the arrests, police issued 168 summonses for various traffic violations. The most frequent offenses included:
- Riding without a license: 40 summonses
- No side mirrors: 29 summonses
- Improper vehicle registration numbers: 22 summonses
Moreover, 20 motorcycles were seized during the operation. Two of the detainees tested positive for methamphetamine and are currently under investigation for drug-related offenses.
Road Safety Enforcement in Perak
Azizi stressed the importance of strict enforcement of road safety laws to curb such dangerous behaviour. “We want to remind everyone that the police are closely monitoring all roads in Perak. I am deeply disappointed by the actions of these reckless riders who blatantly disregard traffic laws. We urge them to reflect on their behaviour and the serious consequences it could bring,” he said.
During the operation, a police corporal was also injured when his motorcycle was struck by one of the illegal racers. Fortunately, the injuries sustained were minor.
Focus on Public Safety and Accountability
The incident in Jalan Klebang Ria serves as a reminder of the need for continuous public safety measures and heightened awareness about the risks associated with illegal street racing. Parents, schools, and local communities are urged to engage youth in productive activities, especially during school holidays, to prevent them from getting involved in unlawful and dangerous activities.