KUALA LUMPUR: Police said they were determined to stop illegal racing, while the Transport Ministry has ordered the Road Transport Department to step up enforcement against illegal racers.
The moves follow allegations that several Perodua Myvis, which were racing on the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), caused a Mitsubishi Pajero to crash.
A couple and their seven-month-old infant in the Pajero were killed in the accident on Saturday, which has led to a public outcry.
“We do not want illegal racers to spill more innocent blood,” Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said yesterday.
He said he would ensure that JPJ was firm in enforcing traffic laws and that it increased its operations against illegal racing, especially during weekends.
“JPJ will focus its efforts on areas known for illegal racing,” he said after meeting the family of the three who were killed.
He said the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) had also been instructed to assist police in their investigations.
“Our main concern is finding out the cause of the crash since no one has come forward to claim responsibility.
“We will charge those found guilty of the offence,” Abdul Aziz said, adding that they were also looking at installing more CCTVs along the highways.
Eyewitnesses said the suspects were racing with four other Myvis before the accident, although representatives of the car club which the suspects belonged to have denied the claim.
Abdul Aziz said car clubs were not illegal and some were actually helping the authorities.
“But heavily modified vehicles and racing on public roads are illegal,” he said, urging motorists to abide by traffic laws.
He said Yayasan Pewaris Batu had also set up a bank account to channel funds to the two girls orphaned by the accident, Nur Firuza Amira and Nur Firuza Akila.
“The funds will be placed in this account to ensure that the two girls get some assistance every month until they reach adulthood,” he added.
Bukit Aman traffic chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said police were very close to solving the case.
“We believe we already know who caused the accident and we will reveal this in the near future.
“Regardless of who blames who, the police investigations will reveal what actually happened,” he said.
He said police took illegal racing seriously and were hell-bent on stopping such activities.
“We are aware of car clubs holding gatherings from time to time and are keeping tabs on them,” he said, adding that although these meetings were not illegal, they must always adhere to traffic laws.
He said no one was above the law and car club meetings should always disperse in an orderly fashion to ensure the safety of other motorists on the road.
“My advice is simple: just obey the law and be courteous and respectful drivers,” he said.
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