By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – The once-peaceful nights around Jalan Jelapang have turned chaotic as illegal motorcycle racing activities are reportedly becoming rampant every Friday and Saturday night, between 1:30 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Shockingly, the illegal race is believed to involve nearly 200 motorcycles and 10 cars, turning the area into a makeshift racing circuit that endangers the lives of other road users.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, voiced concern through a WhatsApp message, urging the police to take immediate and firm action against the group of ‘mat rempit’.
“I urge the police to arrive earlier and block several residential and main roads so that the racers can’t escape.
“This illegal race usually starts in front of Petronas Jelapang and ends at the Silibin Roundabout,” the resident told Ipoh Echo and Peraktastic.
According to the source, several junctions are commonly used by the racers to flee before the authorities arrive at the scene.
“Among the identified escape routes are the junctions at Jalan Bersatu, Jalan Cenderawasih 7 (near BHP and Petron Jelapang), Jalan Tokong, Lebuh Jelapang 12, and Persiaran Jelapang Tambahan.
“These junctions provide easy routes for them to get away. The police should conduct roadblocks at those points during the race hours to put an end to this activity,” the resident added.
The resident also expressed deep concern for the safety of other motorists, especially those travelling through the area late at night.
He further urged the authorities to increase patrols and regular monitoring, not only to curb illegal street racing but also to restore peace and safety for the community in the area.
