24/05/2025

SATURDAY | MAY 24, 2025

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False sense of safety fuels risky driving among youths

Cops probe video of basikal lajak race KUALA LUMPUR: Police are investigating a widely shared video depicting a race for modified bicycles, or basikal lajak, that is likely to be held in Damansara Damai in Petaling Jaya tomorrow. Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Shahrulnizam Ja’afar said a 29-second promotional video for the event was detected on TikTok at 4.30pm on Thursday. “Investigations revealed the video showed a group of teenagers riding their modified bicycles on the road, along with details about the race. A police report was subsequently lodged,” he said in a statement yesterday. An investigation paper has been opened under Section 81 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which prohibits any form of race, competition or speed trial without explicit permission from the transport minister, relevant state government or local authority. The public is urged to come forward with any information about the planned race by contacting the nearest police station or the Petaling Jaya District Police Headquarters operations room at 03 7966 2222. – Bernama Wildlife smuggling foiled at KLIA PUTRAJAYA: Two men were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 300 exotic animals worth about RM460,000 through KL International Airport Terminal 1. The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) confirmed, in a statement issued yesterday, that enforcement officers uncovered the animals hidden in the suspects’luggage during inspections carried out at about 6.30am. Among the exotic species seized were blue iguanas, red-eared sliders, savannah monitors, Nile monitors and common spotted cuscuses. Initial investigations revealed the suspects were unable to provide any documents, permits or letters of authorisation to export the wildlife. “They have been detained under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008. All the animals have been seized and confiscated for further action,”it said. – Bernama

“The prefrontal cortex – which controls decision-making and impulse regulation – doesn’t fully mature until the mid-20s, while the limbic system, which processes emotion and reward, is highly active.” Social influences also fuel risky behaviour. “Peer pressure and social media have major impacts. In subcultures like mat rempit , dangerous stunts are status symbols. Even when aware of the risks, many youths downplay or ignore them in pursuit of short term approval.” To address this, Zulfikar called for early and sustained psychological and educational intervention. “Road safety education should begin in kindergarten and continue throughout school years. It’s vital to also engage young people through social media and digital platforms, where they spend most of their time.” He stressed the need for continuous psychoeducation across all age groups, using every digital tool available to deliver road safety messages that resonate.

behind the wheel.” Law added that some road designs can inadvertently encourage reckless behaviour. “Wide, straight roads with minimal enforcement create conditions that promote speeding. Urban planning must consider how road layouts affect driver behaviour.” To reduce youth-related crashes, he suggested Malaysia adopt proven international models such as the graduated licensing systems used in Sweden and Australia. “These systems combine phased licensing with programmes that expose young drivers to the real consequences of crashes. It helps curb overconfidence and risk taking.” Adding a psychological perspective, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s senior psychology officer Dr Zulfikar Ahmad said adolescents are naturally inclined towards risk. “Youngsters crave intense, novel experiences. They may know the risks, but the thrill often outweighs caution.” He explained this stems from brain development.

o Experts urge mix of education, enforcement and psychology to reverse troubling crash trends in Malaysia

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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enforcement engineering solutions such as safer road designs and clearer signage.” He acknowledged government efforts to introduce road safety education from preschool to Form 4 but warned that successful implementation is crucial. “If the programme is only partially delivered, we won’t see the full benefits. Like medicine, the dosage matters.” Head of the university’s Road Safety Research Centre Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said current driver training focuses too heavily on technical skills and not enough on shaping proper attitudes and risk awareness. “Young drivers often hit the road feeling untouchable, without fully grasping the real-world dangers and

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian youths’ risky driving habits stem from a false sense of invincibility and peer pressure, experts warn, and call for urgent multi-pronged action to address the worsening road safety crisis. Universiti Putra Malaysia’s head of the Putra Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion unit, Prof Dr Kulanthayan KC Mani, said many young drivers believe they are immune to harm and assume road safety messages do not apply to them. “They often think accidents happen to others, not themselves. Without experiencing a serious crash or injury, many don’t feel the need to change their behaviour. That’s the real challenge.” While this mindset is often linked to youths, Kulanthayan observed it is widespread among road users and only shifts after traumatic incidents. “Young people tend to be overconfident and drawn to thrills. Peer influence plays a huge role. Even those who wouldn’t usually take risks may feel pressured to drive dangerously just to fit in or appear ‘cool.’” These concerns follow troubling figures. According to 2023 data from the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, there were 598,635 road crashes nationwide, including 28,511 minor collisions. Kulanthayan emphasised that education alone is not enough. “Education delivers long-term change, but enforcement brings immediate – though often short lived – results. What we need is a mix

To reduce youth-related crashes, Law suggested Malaysia adopt proven international models such as the graduated licensing systems used in Sweden and Australia. – SUNPIC

AGC defends former attorney-general KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has defended former AG Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, asserting that he carried out his duties in full accordance with the constitutional responsibilities of his office. “For clarification, the issues raised in the application are subject to an appeal, which is yet to be decided at the Federal Court. These matters will be comprehensively argued during the appeal proceedings.”

Man fails Negaraku test, nabbed in raid PETALING JAYA: An illegal immigrant trying to avoid arrest during a raid at an apartment complex in Bandar Sunway was caught after failing to sing the national anthem, Negaraku , despite claiming to be a local. and 59,” he said after the operation. The raid followed two weeks of intelligence gathering prompted by public complaints about foreign nationals living in the area.

would breach judicial directions and undermine the proper administration of justice. “The AGC will not hesitate to seek the dismissal of the application as an abuse of the court process.” It also called on all parties to allow the Federal Court to consider the legal and factual issues without external pressure, speculation or disruptive actions. “Justice must be upheld within the framework of the rule of law, not through public statements or parallel litigation.” The High Court had granted a stay on all proceedings on April 28 pending the Federal Court’s decision. That stay, confirmed in writing on May 22, applies to all existing and future proceedings related to the matter, including the contempt application. – Bernama

Aside from pretending to be locals, some detainees even attempted to jump from the fifth floor to evade arrest but were stopped by officers. Jafri said the offences detected included lack of identification documents, overstaying, holding unrecognised cards and other violations under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966 and the Immigration Regulations 1963. All detainees were taken to the Immigration Detention Depot in Semenyih for further investigation. Preliminary findings revealed that some locals had rented out their apartment units to undocumented migrants. – Bernama

Describing the attempt to proceed with contempt action while the appeal is ongoing as “inappropriate, premature and prejudicial”, the AGC urged all parties to respect the judicial process. The case involves former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who alleges that Ahmad Terrirudin, during his tenure as attorney-general, knowingly directed or permitted false submissions in a judicial review concerning a controversial royal addendum order. The AGC emphasised that pursuing contempt proceedings while a court-ordered stay is in place

The man, in his 30s, was among 597 illegal immigrants detained for various offences during checks on 1,597 foreigners in a large-scale operation that began at 9pm. Immigration deputy director general (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha said the raid involved 139 immigration officers, supported by 200 members of the General Operations Force, 40 staff from the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council, six from the National Registration Department and five Civil Defence Force personnel. “All those detained – 472 men and 125 women – are aged between 11

In a statement issued yesterday, the AGC rejected recent claims made by law firm Shafee & Co and media reports accusing Ahmad Terrirudin of misleading the High Court, describing the allegations as entirely unfounded. The response follows confirmation that a leave application was filed on May 21 to initiate committal proceedings against him. The AGC noted that the basis for the committal application is currently under appeal and scheduled for hearing at the Federal Court on July 1 and 2, 2025.