Rempits Story

Race track for Mat Rempits in Rompin

Story and photo by NIK NAIZI HUSIN

ROMPIN: The danger that Mat Rempits pose with their illegal racing has prompted the Rompin Umno Youth movement to organise a proper race track for them and motor-racing fans.
Its assistant secretary Zuleddie Man said they converted an ex-airport runway in Lanjut into a race track.

Racing legally: The racers in the sprint test held in Kamponbg Lanjut, Rompin, recently.

“As it is now, illegal racing among youths is one of the major social problems in society and, at times, has even resulted in deaths. “By having a race track, they will no longer fear the police and can race legally,” he said in an interview.
Zuleddie said the 600m runaway was formerly used by tin mining companies in Lanjut for small aeroplanes to land and take off.
“It ceased operations in 1975 and has been abandoned for some time.
“Recently, after getting approval from the relevant authorities, we upgraded the road and used it partially for sprint competitions in phase one of our project.
“Plans are in the pipeline to increase the racing distance from the present 300m,” he said.
At a recent competition, the movement organised two categories - below 125cc and below 135cc - in a sprint test.
A total of 49 racers took part while a few hundred fans showed up to lend support.
“Participation was from all over the district, which goes to show that they are keen to race legally if there are avenues for them,” Zuleddie said, adding that cash prizes of RM300 for the champion, RM200 for the first