Definition of the word Mat Rempit:

The word 'Rempit' came from the combination of ramp it (ramp the throttle). The definition of 'Rempit'
in Kamus Dewan is menyebat dengan rotan in malay or whipping with cane. An alternative source of
the word, 'Rempit', is derived from the noise made by a 2-stroke motorcycle. 'Mat' is a malay slang
term to call or to refer to a person who usually is of Malay descent but usually used derogatorily.

What is Mat Rempit?

Mat Rempit is a Malaysian term for 'an individual who participates in illegal street racing', usually
involving underbone motorcycles or also known as 'kapcai'. Not all Mat Rempits are involved in street
racing; some of them perform crazy stunts for fun, such as the wheelie, superman (lying flat on the
seat), wikang, and scorpion (standing on the seat with one leg during a wheelie).

How Mat Rempit acts?

Mat Rempits usually travel in groups and race in bustling city centres on weekend nights. In recent
times, Mat Rempits have been linked to gangsterism, gang robbery, street fighting, assault, vandalism,
theft and bullying. Most motorcycles used by the Mat Rempits do not meet standard specifications, or
have been modified extensively for greater speed, or just to make the exhaust noisier.

The Solution?
1. School dropouts and failures at SPM level need to be given the opportunity to develop non-
academic skills that will help them become self-sufficient. These include courses to train workers in
non-academic skills so that they can be gainfully employed as mechanics, plumbers, electricians,
bricklayers, cementers, tilers, carpenters, welders etc.

2. The need to improve our public transport system to reduce dependency on motorcycles by the lower
income groups in Malaysia. This will make it acceptable and justified when applying stricter penalties
such as the suspension of driving licenses of motorcyclists who break the law.

3. There is a need to simplify marriage procedures as many of the Mat Rempit are bachelors with no
direction in life. Large dowries and lavish wedding ceremonies should be discouraged to enable the
Mat Rempit to take responsibility in life, get married and settle down.

4. Mat Rempit are at the bottom of the employment chain meaning that in any organisational structure,
they are the ones who earn the least. Thus it is necessary to have a minimum wage legislation to make
it worthwhile for them to work instead of resorting to crime.

5. It is important to note that human beings all have the same needs - physical, emotional and spiritual.
The way to tackle the Mat Rempit problem is simply that. Help them earn a decent living. Help them
sort out their emotions and be able to build healthy relationships. Help them learn to empathise with
others and to have a goal in life.