KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — Johor Baru police used two buses to set up a dramatic roadblock to stop mat rempit who thought they had outrun the authorities.
A viral dashcam video showed the intense moment when plainclothes police officers on motorcycles intercepted the mat rempit at a traffic light on Jalan Skudai near Danga Bay, according to The Star.
Johor Baru South district police chief Asst Comm Raub Selamat defended the use of buses, saying, “The safety of my personnel and other road users is our top priority, which is why we decided to use the buses.
He said it is legally permissible for the police to use various methods to prevent crime.
“We have previously seen incidents where police personnel were struck by motorcyclists who refused to stop at roadblocks,” he said.
In the video, one motorcyclist attempted to run over police personnel while fleeing, and another narrowly escaped before the two buses blocked the lanes, creating a massive roadblock.
Raub stated that while illegal racing is under control in the district, cases of motorcycle theft and illegal modifications are increasing, which prompted the operation.
The operation, conducted on August 26 and 27, involved the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Johor Baru City Council and the Department of Environment (DoE) and aimed to address public concerns over crime.
Raub said a total of 286 individuals and 257 vehicles were inspected.
“From that number, some 115 motorcycles were seized for further inspection and 153 summonses were issued for various traffic offences, including driving without a licence and illegal modification of their vehicles.
JPJ issued 54 summonses for various offences, while DoE issued 46 summonses and 52 inspection notices for vehicles with loud exhausts.
A 28-year-old man was arrested after testing positive for drugs, he added.
