According to a report by The Star Online today, Mayor Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said he was open to the notion of giving “mat rempit” a specific time and place to race, with the bridge connecting Taman Metropolitan Batu and Kampung Batu Muda being the only possible site for the races.

He said the bikers should submit a proposal to race at the bridge and DBKL would provide assistance in terms of road closures and other matters.

Meanwhile Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim said any decision to allow for legal street races must consider the convenience of all motorists and ensure traffic flow in the city was not disrupted.

He said proper discussions must be held with the Federal Territories Ministry on the proposal as not all roads could be closed for such races.

JKJR director-general Abd Jhafar Yusof also voiced concerns about traffic congestion and the safety of roadside spectators.

He raised the issue of insurance claims should someone suffer injuries as a result of something going awry at the race.

“It’s not a question of whether it should or should not be done, but about the pros and cons of having such races and how many people will benefit or have issues with the event,” he was quoted as saying.

On Monday, Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor mooted the idea to hold legal street races so that those who frequently take part in illegal racing would have a means to “entertain themselves.”

His idea however has received flak from activists, Opposition lawmakers and netizens.