The Malaysian Insight

THE introduction of motorcycle e-hailing rides such as Go-Jek will not stop young motorcycle enthusiasts from their illegal races or other motorcycle activities, said the young riders known as “mat motor”.

While they may take up employment as motorcycle e-hailing riders, they would still pursue their first love – to show off their two-wheeler skills in illegal races and taking part in convoys with fellow motorists, they told The Malaysian Insight.

Culinary student Muhd Alif Aiman Mat Sobri, 19, said he raced just for fun, as a hobby.

“As we have the motorcycle, we can do part-time work ferrying passengers (for Go-Jek) and make money, so I could go to places where I always want to hang out.

“However, racing will still continue as it is my hobby. Maybe I will have one motorcycle for racing and another for taxi-motorcycle service.”

For “mat motor” Muhammad Aniq Ahmad Asri, 18, motorcycle e-hailing services are unlikely to reduce illegal racing among youths.

While he acknowledged that it could help young people generate income, illegal races are difficult to control because they are an embedded culture among the youths.

“With Go-Jek, these youths will continue to race. If there is a reduction, it would be very little.

“This rempit culture has been around for a long time, not just yesterday. It’s difficult to change,” the college student said.

Another college student, Muhammad Syamim Latefi, 21, said he is absolutely certain that these young motorcyclists who could be Go-Jek riders would continue to ride fast or race to keep up with their hobby.

“The motorcycle gangs like jobs that give them freedom.

“Because of that, even if there is the Go-Jek opportunities, they will keep on racing but maybe not as frequently,” he said when met at Bagan’s R&R (rest and recreation) area in Butterworth.

The R&R is a focal point for motorcyclists to gather and race on weekends.

He added that the Go-Jek service could also be able to provide an alternative source of income for the mat motor as some race for money.

“There are two categories to illegal racing – for money and entertainment.

“In fact, this Go-Jek service gives an excellent opportunity to those who are passionate about motorcycles a chance of employment.

“For those who earn money by racing, this service could a good choice for them.”

Last Wednesday, the cabinet approved a proposal to introduce the ride-sharing service, such as Go-Jek from Indonesia.

The idea was proposed by Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who touted Go-Jek’s employment opportunities for mat motor.

Following that, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry would prepare a report on e-hailing services within a month before presenting it to the cabinet.

Loke said the ministry would look into improving the safety aspects of the service before allowing them to operate. – September 6, 2019.