Transport Minister Anthony Loke orders JPJ crackdown after mat rempit use new LTSIP airport terminal as a racing track, risking safety and undermining a RM450 million investment
KOTA BHARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has been ordered to conduct a major enforcement operation at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP).
This follows alarming reports of reckless motorcyclists, known as mat rempit, using the area in front of the departure terminal as a racing track.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke described the situation as deeply troubling and highly embarrassing.
He has instructed the JPJ Enforcement Director to launch a large-scale crackdown in the area immediately.
“Any motorcyclist caught racing will have their vehicle immediately confiscated,” Loke stated in a Facebook post. He emphasised that such behaviour is completely unacceptable.
The minister highlighted that the Federal government has invested nearly RM450 million to upgrade the airport.
This investment was intended to enhance air connectivity, boost socio-economic development, and attract more tourists to Kelantan.
“The reckless actions of these motorcyclists not only put travellers at risk but also sabotage the safety and economic interests of the state,” he added.
Loke also urged Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to tighten access to and from the terminal building to prevent further incidents.
Earlier media reports indicated the area in front of the new LTSIP departure hall has been repeatedly used for illegal racing.
The fully operational terminal in Pengkalan Chepa has been open for less than a month.
The dangerous activity reportedly began during Ramadan and continued into last Friday night.
Videos of the incidents posted by travellers on social media brought the matter to widespread public attention.
