5 motorcyclists detained in DUKE illegal racing crackdown

The police in Kuala Lumpur have detained five motorcyclists for performing stunts during an illegal street racing crackdown on the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE). The five, aged between 16 and 22, were apprehended during an integrated operation near the Laman Seri Harmoni 33 condominium complex in Sentul. Two of the suspects were 16 years old, while the others were 19, 20, and 22.

They were believed to have been traveling from Kuala Lumpur towards Gombak. The police observed the group performing a "Superman" stunt over a distance of about 2km before making the arrest, according to Assistant Commissioner Zamzuri Mohd Isa, head of the City Police Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department. The suspects were detained under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless and dangerous driving.

The operation, which began at midnight, saw 778 motorcycles inspected, 414 summonses issued, and 41 motorcycles seized. Some of these bikes had been illegally modified, with one having its rear brake removed. One of the 16-year-old boys, who has dropped out of school, said he was detained after returning from work at a burger stall.

He engaged in the stunts for fun and was apprehensive about his actions. Another 16-year-old boy, still in Form Four, also admitted to performing the dangerous stunt for enjoyment. Both teenagers claimed they did not possess a driving license. The police stated that the DUKE area is a known hotspot for motorcycle groups involved in illegal street racing, alongside other locations such as Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Raja Laut.

The crackdown was also prompted by complaints from residents about large groups of motorcyclists gathering at night, causing noise with their illegally modified motorcycles.