The proposal to bar motorcycles from Kuala Lumpur's commercial and tourist areas in order to curb snatch thefts and illegal racing, drew negative reactions from those interviewed by malaysiakini.

They said the move would not solve the problems but rather cause inconvenience to motorcyclists who abide by the law.

Dispatch riders, who only identified themselves as Noordin, 28 and Zareman, 18, said the ban will affect their ability to perform their jobs as they need access to the roads in order to reach their destinations.

The roads in question are Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Chow Kit and Jalan Petaling

"Everyday I have to send documents to those areas. This (illegal racing) is an old problem, banning us from the streets is not enough. Police enforcement is better because people are scared of them," said Noordin (photo).

A 35-year-old stall operator who wanted to be known only as Din, also agreed that greater police vigilance was the answer, adding that a ban will bog down innocent commuters.

"People use motorcycles to work to avoid traffic jams because parking for cars is a problem. Even if you find a carpark, it would cost RM5 while motorcycle parking only cost RM1. It is tough for low income earners," added Din, who commutes regularly on a motorcycle.

A 40-year-old tow truck company employee known only as Ah Hua said his job requires him to move around the city on a motorcycle and the ban will inconvenience him.

"The government cannot expect us to use bus and taxi to reach those areas. It is not only difficult, but we cannot reach our destination in certain areas without motorcycles," he said.

'Jail illegal racers'

Business development manager only known as Hon, 38, said the ban does not address the root of the problem and that innocent people will be affected by it.

"So a few fellows like to race, does that mean you punish the whole motorcycling community? Go straight for the culprits, don't punish the innocent people who travel around in the most affordable way," he said.

Meanwhile, 45 year-old university lecturer, who preferred to be known only as Dr Wong, said that specially designated places for people to race legally along with sufficient police enforcement, can also help keep racers off the streets.

His friend, who identified himself only as Linga, 46, said the ban would cause unhappiness among the people and urged the authorities to jail those involved in illegal racing.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor announced yesterday that he might forward the proposal to ban motorcycles to the government as the authorities have determined that many snatch thieves were also involved in illegal racing.

"We may stop them from coming into Kuala Lumpur. No more motorcycles. You use public transport. We know this will inconvenience the public but if need be we will implement it," he was reported as saying.

He added that many complaints of snatch theft and lack of safety on the streets, have been received by the authorities.

This is the latest development in a string of new measures taken by the authorities to curb the menace.