Recently, a viral video showed a group of teenagers dangerously riding their modified bicycles, known as "basikal lajak," across the Jambatan Angkat (Drawbridge) in Kuala Terengganu. With their bodies flattened low and arms spread wide in the signature lajak pose, these minors sped downhill across an active public bridge in broad daylight, risking not just their lives but also endangering other road users. According to authorities, an investigation has been launched to identify the youths involved.
These bicycles, stripped of brakes and modified for speed, have long been a problem in Malaysia. The infamous 2017 Johor Bahru tragedy, in which eight teenagers on basikal lajak were killed by a car, remains a stark reminder. Yet, despite national outcry and a lengthy court case involving driver Sam Ke Ting, these dangerous practices continue.
Why?
Is it the fault of parents who fail to supervise their children, or the workshops and communities that allow illegal modifications to take place? Is it a gap in law enforcement or simply the failure to provide youths with safer alternatives?
The law is clear. Under Regulation 42(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, operating a modified bicycle that endangers public safety is an offence. Police have also warned that guardians could be held accountable for negligence. Yet, enforcement appears reactive, only sparked when videos go viral or accidents happen.
According to the Transport Ministry, over 6,000 people died in Malaysian road accidents in 2023 alone (MIROS). With such alarming numbers, every reckless act on the road should be taken seriously, even if it involves bicycles.
We must ask: how many more lives must be lost before preventive action becomes the norm? Public education campaigns, enforcement of modification bans, and community youth programs could help. Until then, bridges like the one in Terengganu will continue to be playgrounds for danger.
Basikal lajak isn’t just a trend. It’s a ticking time bomb on two wheels.
Ian Low (junianlow6@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact creator@newswav.com.
