KUALA TERENGGANU, Malaysia: The state government is on an all-out crusade to rid public roads of Mat Rempit by offering to sponsor them for international motorcycle grand prix events.

The offer came from Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said as the Mat Rempit menace has reached an alarming level in the state.

"I want to tell youths that indulging in illegal motorcycle races is unwise as they can use their time and resources for beneficial activities.

"We are willing to render other assistance to those who are interested in becoming professional racers besides sponsoring them for the grand prix circuit," he said here.

He also appealed to Mat Rempit not to risk the lives of others by racing illegally on public roads.

Sports and Youth Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said Terengganu was going ahead with plans to build a RM4.1mil (S$1,704,780) race circuit in Gong Badak, close to the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium. -The Star/ANN