Sensation Seeking, Aggression and Risk Riding Behaviors among Motorcycle Street Racers in Malaysia

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP13.98

Authors: Rozmi Ismail, Normah Che Din, Ong Lee Lee, Norhayati Ibrahim, Fauzi Sukimi and Mohammad Hesam Hafez

Abstract:

In Malaysia, Illegal motorcycle street racers (locally known as Mat Rempit), not only endangered themselves but also threaten other road users while racing and performing dangerous action stunts on the main road. This article examines the relationship between impulsive traits, sensation seeking, aggression and risk taking behaviors among illegal motorcycle street racers in Malaysia. Around 564 motorcyclists (identified as Mat Rempit) were interviewed and requested to complete self-reported questionnaires on aggression, sensation seeking, and risky riding. This study found that the Mat Rempit group of riders scored higher on aggression, sensation seeking, and risk taking behaviors as compared to the group of respondents not involved in illegal street racing. Results also revealed that those higher on overall impulsive sensation seeking traits also scored relatively high on aggression and risky riding. Regression analysis showed aggression, and sensation seeking behaviors contributed to 16.1{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of the total variance in risky riding. Proper action from related agencies is needed to tackle this dangerous activity for example effective enforcement as well as rehabilitation program for youth identified as the hard core Mat Rempit.

Keywords: Motorcycle street racing, Mat Rempit, impulsive, sensation seeking, aggression.