MELAKA: Following a series of bicycle theft cases involving Ofo Melaka Eco Bicycles, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron has called on members of the public to be the eyes and ears of the local law enforcement.
Idris expressed his dismay over the irresponsible act of unscrupulous individuals who have stolen the Ofo Melaka Eco Bicycles for illegal bike racing.
“It is disheartening when these notorious groups, known as ‘Mat Lajak’, were stealing the bikes and even sold them off.
“Some were also vandalised and turned into racing bikes.
“This is a bad culture and it shows that the mentality of the people here are still low although Melaka is a developed state,” he told reporters after the investiture ceremony to mark the 79th birthday of Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob on Saturday.
Idris said the Ofo bikes were introduced in the state to encourage a healthy cycling habit besides enhancing the mode of transport for tourists as well as promoting green technology practices in the state.
“The eco-friendly bicycles should be a shared mode of transportation and should not be vandalised.
“It is sad that the state government’s effort to enhance the state’s transportation is destroyed by these irresponsible parties,” he said.
Ofo is a Beijing-based bicycle sharing company which operates over 10 million yellow-coloured bicycles in 180 cities and 13 countries.
Idris urged members of the public who have spotted any individuals tampering with the Ofo bicycles to report the matter to the authorities.
It is learnt that least 24 Ofo Melaka Eco bicycles have been stolen by the Mat Lajak groups after a fleet of 500 bicycles was launched in the state in August this year.
The bicycles were placed at strategic tourist locations in Dataran 1Malaysia, Melaka International Trade Centre, Rural Transformation Centre in Sungai Rambai, Jasin, Menara Taming Sari and Taman Rempah.