GEORGE TOWN: The mat rempit/illegal street racing issue cannot be ignored and must be addressed with great urgency, a leading criminologist said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said the activity threatened public safety as it endangered road users and the riders themselves.

He said these street racers were aggressive and violent towards road users as they adopted herd behaviour.

“This problem cannot be ignored as many young lives are involved. All human life is precious irrespective of ethnicity, religion or social class.

“The recent loss of four young lives is most regrettable and is a tragedy.

“Stricter, frequent and consistent enforcement strategies by law enforcement agencies will make a significant impact.

“Related laws and punishment specifically to address illegal street racing and large group gatherings need to be amended,” he told the New Straits Times in an interview.

Sundramoorthy said confiscation of vehicles of those taking part in illegal street racing was a must even for first-time offenders.

He added that for those with a driving licence, their status must be changed to “probation” for first-time offenders.

For second-time or repeat offenders, he suggested having them banned from riding/driving for at least three years.

Meanwhile, Sundramoorthy said law amendments should be made to allow for stringent punishment against parents or legal guardians of street racers 18 years old and below.

“Parents and legal guardians must be held responsible and accountable.

“The courts must show their seriousness by punishing them as well,” he added.

Sundramoorthy said the punishment for those taking part in illegal street racing must incorporate deterrence, rehabilitation and treatment.

Meanwhile, he suggested street racers with no prior criminal conviction and who did not cause any injury or death to road users or pedestrians receive the punishments as follows:

First- and second-time offender: community services, counselling, driver and safety education, and licence status reclassified as on probation; and,

Third-time offenders: prison sentence.

“For those who cause injuries or death to road users or pedestrians, lengthy prison sentences and whipping should be imposed.

“Moreover, those tested positive for drugs must be, by default, treated as repeat offenders in the criminal justice system.

“Illegal drug use is a public health issue. When a drug user violates traffic and criminal laws, they must receive the punishment as repeat offenders,” he added.

Sundramoorthy said some in society had suggested that law enforcement use “spiked chains” to stop illegal motorcycle racing.

“This is against the principles of humanity in a civil society.

“Law enforcement in civil society should always adhere and value human life and nothing less,” he stressed.

This article was first reported at New Straits Times.