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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has condemned the presence of mat rempit loitering at the drop-off lanes of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, less than a month after the newly upgraded terminal began operations
In a Facebook post, Loke called the situation "sad and embarrassing".
"This news is not only sad but also very embarrassing," he said.
"The federal government spent nearly RM450 million to upgrade Kota Bharu Airport to ensure better air connectivity for Kelantan, serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development, and attract more tourists to the state."
He said the behaviour of the illegal street racers in front of the airport not only endangers the lives of airport users but could also be seen as an act of sabotage against the state's safety and economy.
Loke said he has since instructed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to carry out large-scale enforcement operations in the area
"Anyone caught street racing in front of the airport will have their motorcycles immediately confiscated.
"I have also asked airport management to tighten entry and exit routes at the terminal building to curb this issue," he said.
Earlier, a video showing a large group of mat rempit, mostly youths, gathering at the departure area of the new terminal went viral on social media
According to Sinar Harian, a security officer said the issue had been ongoing since the terminal opened to the public on 19 March.
He claimed that about 40 to 50 motorcycles would gather in front of the departure hall to race and perform dangerous stunts.
"They treat this place like a racing circuit. Some perform wheelies, brake stunts, ride against traffic, and carry out other dangerous acts," he said.
He also claimed that when confronted, the riders would argue and mock him, saying he had no authority as a security officer to take action against them.
"The airport management has lodged complaints with the police several times. When police patrol the area, they leave temporarily but later return without fear," he added.
Following the viral video, police and JPJ officers have reportedly stepped up patrols in the area, and the mat rempit have not been seen since.
Watch the short clip here:
Video tular menunjukkan sekumpulan dipercayai "mat rempit" melepak di kawasan drop off penumpang di Lapangan Terbang Kota Bharu, hingga menimbulkan rasa kurang selesa orang awam.
— Hobin Jang Hobin (@HobinJangHobin_) April 4, 2026
Netizen mempersoalkan bagaimana motosikal boleh berada lama di zon yang sepatutnya dikawal ketat. pic.twitter.com/H2g8zxvAaS
