JOHOR BAHRU – Highways in Johor are increasingly being used as gathering spots for motorcyclists performing dangerous stunts, posing severe risks to other road users, particularly under the cover of darkness.
Bus driver Omar Mohd Ami described a terrifying encounter in which he was forced to brake suddenly to avoid a group of motorcyclists congregating by the roadside.
“I was travelling along the Perling Second Link Highway when several motorcyclists, who had been loitering on the shoulder, suddenly veered into the main lane without signalling.
“If I had not reacted instantly, I would have hit the entire group. Fortunately, the bus did not skid. It happened at night, making it exceptionally dangerous. They are not just risking their own lives, but everyone else’s as well,” he said.
K. S. Devi, a 55-year-old security guard, shared a similar ordeal.
She narrowly avoided a collision with a group of reckless riders while driving home with her child along the same stretch several months ago.
She stated that the motorcycles were travelling at high speeds and "cut in" dangerously close to her vehicle, nearly causing a pile-up.
The danger is not confined to the night-time hours. Asrul Yaswar, a 30-year-old trader, recounted an incident in the afternoon where his car skidded after he attempted to avoid riders performing stunts.
“I was on my way home when a group started performing ‘cilok’ (weaving) stunts. My car skidded off the road as I tried to get out of their way. I truly hope the authorities take firmer action to curb these dangerous activities,” he said.
The Perling Second Link and the Second Link Expressway have long been identified as hotspots for Mat Rempit (illegal street racer) activities.
Recent police operations, such as Ops Samseng Jalanan, have seen dozens of motorcycles seized and teenagers as young as 15 detained for reckless riding under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Despite regular patrols and roadblocks, residents and regular commuters remain concerned that the lack of consistent deterrents allows these groups to continue using public highways as their personal playgrounds.