KUCHING: Kuching Police arrested five youths and seized five modified motorcycles during a special operation against illegal street racing in the Masja area last weekend.
Kuching District police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the operation, codenamed “Op Samseng Jalanan,” was carried out by the district’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division from 4.00 pm on August 17 until 1.00 am the following day.
“Street racing is not only unlawful but also poses a serious danger to both participants and other road users. We will not compromise with such reckless behaviour,” he said in a statement today.
According to him, the suspects, aged between 14 and 20, were detained under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving. The motorcycles seized were taken under Section 60 of the same Act for being illegally modified and will undergo further inspection.
During the operation, police also inspected 36 individuals and 36 motorcycles, issuing 53 summonses for various traffic offences.
Alexson stressed that similar enforcement would continue to be carried out without warning. “We urge all motorists, especially young riders, to drive responsibly, obey traffic laws, and avoid illegal modifications. Reckless riding not only endangers innocent lives but also puts the offenders themselves at grave risk,” he warned.
The team involved two senior officers and nine personnel.
By Connie Chieng