But last weekend, the police literally parked a bus in the middle of the highway to trap a group of illegal racers.

Desperate times call for desperate measures

According to Harian Metro, the authorities resorted to the extreme measure to break up an illegal racing gathering in a special operation on the PLUS North-South Highway near the Skudai toll plaza on Sunday (13 February).

As a result, the police managed to arrest six illegal drag racers as well as 120 spectators.

Johor Chief Police, Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat, told the news portal that 60 members of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Department of Environment (DOE) participated in the operation, which started at 2am.

Image credit: Facebook/Inforoadblock

Kamarul Zaman said the authorities parked a factory bus in the middle of the highway to ensure that all the racers and spectators, made up of 105 men and 19 women aged between 18 and 45, could not escape.

He added that the successful arrest of the six drivers was the result of a police investigation that lasted for a month after the authorities received complaints from highway users.

"The police have been conducting observation and intelligence for the past month after receiving complaints from highway users regarding drag racing activities that not only endangered other users, but they also blocked the road by closing the road at will during the race.

“The results of the police observation found that these illegal racing activities are usually held on weekends or certain normal days between 1am to 4am," he was quoted as saying.

Image credit: Facebook/Inforoadblock

According to Kamarul Zaman, the illegal racers would race between 700 to 900 meters after being released by a 'grid girl' on a starting line to test the speed of their modified cars.

"We believe this race was orchestrated by a syndicate and we are investigating every aspect to ensure the mastermind is arrested," he added.

Gambling element may be involved

As for the six illegal racers, Kamarul Zaman said they are between the age of 22 and 25, and they have been remanded to be investigated under Section 42 of the Penal Code Section 42 (1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987 and Section 81 APJ 1987.

He said 120 spectators of the race also underwent urine test before being released on police bail.

"A driver and two spectators were also found positive for drugs, will also be remanded for drug offenses," he said.

On top of that, Kamarul Zaman said the police would also investigate the gambling element in the race.

“Police believe there is an element of cash rewards other than women being used as prizes to the winners.

“We take this illegal activity very seriously as it involves the lives of other road users as this race involves very high speeds and is unsafe for road users.

"Viewers also face stern action including prosecution if arrested," he was quoted as saying.

Boy, are they in a lot of trouble now!