Sarawak road transport department (JPJ) deputy director Nor Azlan Ibrahim said: “Roads are not racing circuits, they are paths to sustain life, not places to end it.”

Participants in the driving licence assistance programme should take full advantage to become disciplined, ethical and safety-conscious motorcyclists.

“I want to remind every young person getting their licence that this doesn’t mean you can ride recklessly. It is a symbol of confidence entrusted by the nation, and recognition to be on the road legally.

“The licence is not a ticket to become king of the road. It’s not a green light for illegal racing, and not an excuse to ride illegally modified motorcycles or not have road tax.

“We don’t want those given this opportunity to end up ruining their lives,” he said at the closing ceremony of the programme in the Nangka state constituency here today.

Nor Azlan cautioned that the licence should not be abused for dangerous activities, which provide momentary excitement at the risk of grave outcomes such as serious injury, loss of life, or legal repercussions.

He cited JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli’s firm stance that MyLesen Class B2 holders involved in illegal racing will have their licences revoked.

“Engines can be modified, but the law cannot be bent. You can rev the throttle, but speed limits must be respected,” he said.

The programme drew 1,114 participants from the B40 group in the Nangka state constituency. The MyLesen B2 licence is given free to members of the B40 income group aged 16 to 35. A quota of 10,000 licences has been set for this year.