Malaysia has tightened enforcement at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kelantan after motorcyclists turned the area into an illegal racing spot.
The airport reopened on March 19 after a nearly RM450 million (S$143.3 million) upgrade completed over two years, AsiaOne reported.
According to the New Straits Timesthe terminal departure hall, which has been fully operational for less than a month, was used as a racetrack and location for stunts by motorcyclists.
The activity reportedly began during Ramadan and continued until April 3, when videos recorded by airport users went viral on social media.
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Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kelantan state, Malaysia. Photo from Facebook/Malaysia Airports |
In a recent Facebook post, Malaysia’s transport minister Anthony Loke said the upgrades to the airport were intended to improve air connectivity, support socio-economic development, and attract more tourists to the state.
“The behaviour of these [motorcyclist] groups in front of the new terminal departure hall is not only endangering the lives of the people who use the airport but can be said as an act of sabotage against the security and economy of the state,” he added.
Loke said he had instructed the Road Transport Department’s enforcement director to carry out “massive enforcement operations” in the area.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, which manages the airport, has been asked to restrict entry and exit access to the terminal building to curb the issue.
“Anyone who dares to perform stunts in front of the airport will have their motorbike confiscated,” Loke said.
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