Mat Rempit, or illegal motorcycle racing enthusiasts, in the east coast state of Terengganu are being incentivised to leave the streets behind and stake their claim in (legitimate) small business, with the state’s Islamic affairs council offering up to RM15,000 in grants to seed their new legal ventures.
The Terengganu Islamic Affairs and Malay Custom Council (Maidam) is offering the RM15,000 from funds it’s collected from zakat, or alms given to the state by Muslims as part of their religious obligations to the needy and the disadvantaged.
According to a report by The Malay Mail Online, Maidam head Shaikh Harun Shaikh Ismail said his council was also prepared to arrange for shoplots for the state’s wayward speed demons if they choose to turn legit.
“We have plenty of shoplots to offer to them, the most important thing is that they must truly show their eagerness to do business and change their lifestyle,”he said.
Shaikh Harun added that Maidam would also engage with the People’s Trust Council (MARA) to help mat rempits in the state gain applicable knowledge and skills before setting up their new businesses.
