KULAI: The “Mat Lajak” seem to be a recalcitrant bunch. They are still gathering for night rides on their flimsy, modified bicycles but on the streets here this time, about 50km from Johor Baru.
Although Jalan Lingkaran Dalam in Johor Baru is still the favourite meeting point for these cyclists, the trend has spread to the Kulai district.
It is as if the tragic accident in Johor Baru on Feb 18 that left eight teenage cyclists dead and eight others badly injured, have slipped their minds.
On Friday evening, a group of boys was seen hogging a huge portion of the road in Taman Puteri here with their bicycles.
Numbering at least 30, they were photographed by several motorists near a traffic light after one of them stood up on the seat of his moving bicycle, with one foot on the back fender.
The other boys lined up beside or behind him and were smiling and laughing as they pedalled along.
Kulai OCPD Supt Razak Md Said said police went after the group in Taman Puteri, after receiving information about their whereabouts, between 2am and 4.30am on Saturday.
“When the boys saw us coming, most of themquickly rode away while others escaped on foot,” he said yesterday.
Supt Razak said seven modified bicycles were left behind by the group and were confiscated by his men.
“We are looking for the cyclists and will take action against them,” he added.
On April 3, The Star carried a front page report on the arrest of 22 teenagers – 14 Mat Lajak and eight spectators – including a teenage girl, at Jalan Linkaran Dalam. Fourteen bicycles were seized from them.
It was at the spot where the Feb 18 accident happened.
In the accident, a car ploughed into the cyclists on the road, near the Mahmoodiah Muslim cemetery, at around 3.30am.
Saleswoman Sam Ke Ting, 22, has claimed trial to a charge of ramming into the cyclists.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/04/09/mat-lajak-continue-with-their-cycle-of-danger/#ceVfjmTqqAV0YYo0.99
BEST FBKL: Hope the police round them up
