MAT lajak can be trained either to become a cyclist for Malaysia or bicycle mechanics, says Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

He said the ministry had plans to train them at the National Youth Skills Institute to harness their talents.

“There are two types of mat lajak – those who like to modify bicycles and those with ‘the need for speed’.

“Those with modifying skills can be taught welding and putting together bicycles with better safety features, while those who yearn for speed can be trained to participate in competitive races, ” he said at the Parliament lobby.

He was responding to calls for new laws to act against shops or individuals providing modifications to transform ordinary bicycles into “basikal lajak” or mosquito bicycles, which are ridden by mat lajak (youngsters who race or perform stunts on the modified bikes).