SARAWAK’S Deputy Chief Minister James Masing has an unusual solution to the problem of illegal motorcycle racing in the state’s rural roads.

Masing, who is state infrastructure development minister, is threatening to stop all repairs on damaged roads to deter teenagers from turning them into racing tracks.

His comments came in the light of recent statistics that showed five teenagers, all aged under 18, died in the last two months from racing on a rural road in Kapit town.

That stretch of Silirek Road was “the most dangerous road in town”, said Masing.

“My ministry improved the quality of the road. We’ve resurfaced the road, filled the potholes and made good the ditches,” Masing told parents attending the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (Niosh) safety talk.

“This whole stretch is smooth, straight and free of obstacles. Ordinary road users appreciate it.

“However, the young speedsters on their motorbikes use this stretch as their racing track. This has resulted in fatal accidents.”

Masing said he had “second thoughts” on whether his ministry should repair damaged roads if teenagers used them for illegal activities like racing.

“There are other roads in Sarawak, besides Kapit, that need improvement.

“I don’t want to be responsible for encouraging reckless and irresponsible road users and their deaths.”

Kapit, about 127km from Sibu town, is isolated, with no roads connecting it to the larger cities. The only way to get to Kapit is by taking one of the ubiquitous steel-hulled express boats.

Cars are few in the town, and the favourite mode of transportation is motorcycles. – April 21, 2017.