Criminals on motorcycles are becoming more brazen and fearless toward the arm of the law. Thus was the case when The Star Online reported that a police constable injured his left hand when a Mat Rempit crashed into him at a roadblock at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday night.

Kuala Lumpur police narcotics chief ACP Kang Chez Chiang, who led the operation, said the constable was trying to stop a motorcyclist at the roadblock when the motorcycle crashed into him. “The motorcyclist and pillion rider fled the scene but were arrested by police in Brickfields, 2km from the scene. “Initial investigations revealed that the youth did not have a driving license and that the road tax had expired. “The two youths who live in Negri Sembilan came here for illegal racing,” he added.

Kuala Lumpur traffic police and the dog unit (K9) also participated in the four-hour operation which began at midnight. It was aimed at preventing robbery, snatch theft and pickpocketing. ACP Kang said the youths were being investigated under section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Some 450 vehicles were checked and 90 summonses issued for various traffic offences. Six of 80 motorcyclists and pillion riders also tested positive for drugs.