A JPJ officer inspects some of the motorcycles seized during the two-day operation in Kuala Nerus and Kuala Terengganu. - Photo: Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu police denied claims that the "Ops Khas Motosikal" conducted on Friday and Saturday (Sept 8 and 9) had elements of sabotage against the RXZ Members 5.0 annual gathering, held in Kuala Nerus near here.
State police chief Datuk Mazli Mazlan said the operation was carried out in coordination with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) after receiving various complaints from the public against the actions of a few motorcyclists, who not only rode recklessly but also disturbed public order.
He stressed that the operation was a routine task carried out by the police to ensure the safety of the public, and there were no political elements, as claimed by some parties.
"After receiving complaints, police conducted monitoring and found that there were violations of the laws among RXZ Members 5.0 participants, who rode recklessly to the point of endangering other road users, including on highways and state roads," he said.
Comm Mazli said that police always supported any programme or activity that has a positive impact on the socio-economics of the population, as long as it does not violate existing laws.
"There is no issue with the organisers as they had applied for a permit from the police. It's just a few motorcyclists who took advantage of the programme to misbehave,” he said.
Internet users have been expressing dissatisfaction on social media after a few participants were arrested by police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and their motorcycles impounded.
Some of the posts attributed the authority's actions as orders from "higher up" since the event was held in an Opposition state.
Comm Mazli said a total of 185 motorcycles were impounded and 292 summonses were issued during the two days of operations, conducted around the Kuala Nerus and Kuala Terengganu districts.
"During the two-day operation, a total of 73 accident cases were also reported, with four of them being fatal accidents involving RXZ Members 5.0 participants,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate press conference, Terengganu JPJ director Zulkarnain Yasin said 134 offences were recorded, and of the 40,000 participants, only 1.34% were arrested for breaking the laws.
"All actions were taken to protect the safety of other road users and the public,” he said. - Bernama
