KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: New expressways that have yet to be opened are being used by illegal racers or Mat Rempit as training grounds to practice their dare-devil stunts.

One such road is the newly constructed Duta - Ulu Klang Ex-press-way (DUKE) that has become a favourite.

Many were seen riding their motorcycles dangerously and performing 'wheelies' and 'superman' while being cheered on by spectators sitting on roadside railings.

They even have 'instructors' to coach them on dangerous stunts.

Their 'training' was short-lived when the Jalan Bandar traffic policemen picked them up and seized their machines for various offences including possessing stolen or modified motorcycles, expired licenses and for causing a nuisance.

Several of them were referred to the Narcotics Department for urine tests.

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police Chief ACP Abdul Wahab Abdul Rahman said that although the group did not pose a danger to the public when using the unopened expressways they were still putting their own lives at risk.

"They only use the unopened expressways to practice their skills but will still ride off to other parts of the city to show off as they have been known to enjoy having an audience," he said.

He added that although Mat Rempit are regarded as a bane to the public especially road users, they are only charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act for dangerous driving and for putting the lives of other road users at risk.

The offence carries a five-year jail term or RM5,000 fine or both. --THE STAR