Imagine driving along an expressway early in the morning, only to find a group of people standing in the middle of the road and stopping traffic.
That was apparently what happened on the Linkedua Expressway in Johor, where a group was allegedly seen blocking motorists to make way for an illegal motorcycle race.
To top it off, fireworks were even set off after the race.
The incident reportedly took place along the Linkedua Expressway in Johor on Aug 22 and was captured in a 33-second video that has since gone viral on social media.
Group seen stopping highway traffic
In the viral footage shared on Threads, several individuals could be seen standing across the expressway and appearing to stop other motorists from passing.
View on Threads
A number of people were also gathered along the side of the highway, seemingly waiting for the race to begin.
Moments later, two motorcycles could be seen speeding past the group as they appeared to race against each other.
According to a police statement reported by Careta, investigations found that the two motorcycles were racing from KM33 near the Senai Utara Toll interchange to KM31 near the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) interchange.
Police said the registration numbers and models of the two motorcycles could not be identified from the footage.
Fireworks set off after race
Towards the end of the clip, fireworks could also be seen being launched into the sky as those at the scene appeared to celebrate.
The Threads user who uploaded the footage expressed disbelief over the group allegedly blocking a public highway for the race.
The incident subsequently drew criticism online, with many condemning the group for inconveniencing other motorists and potentially putting road users in danger.
Police now hunting those involved
Following the video going viral, Kulai police confirmed that investigations are underway to identify the two motorcyclists and other individuals seen at the scene.
Kulai district police chief ACP Tan Seng Lee said the district’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division is tracing those involved, including people who were gathered along the side of the expressway watching the race.
The case is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous riding, according to Careta.
Police identify individual believed to be at scene
Bukit Aman has also joined investigations into the viral incident.
According to The Star, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department confirmed receiving a report regarding the video.
Police have since identified one individual believed to have been present at the scene.
Authorities are also working with highway operator PLUS Malaysia Berhad to retrieve CCTV footage from the area to assist investigations.
Kulai traffic police are continuing efforts to identify the riders and spectators involved.
Members of the public with information about the incident have been urged to contact investigating officer Inspector Ahmad Safuan Abu Naim at 017-757 3507 or approach the nearest police station.
Police said further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
