Police probe hazardous kite string incident in Kepong

New Straits Times

21-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The police are investigating an incident where a motorcyclist sustained neck injuries after riding into a stray kite string that was stretched across Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, near Taman Metropolitan Kepong, and became entangled around a streetlight.
City Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department chief, Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa, said the case is classified under Section 80 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The provision criminalises placing any road hump, rope, wire, chain, tackle, or similar apparatus across a road in a manner likely to cause danger to persons or damage to vehicles using the road. This is unless a person can prove they had the lawful right to do so and had taken all necessary means to give adequate warning of the danger.
Upon conviction, the perpetrator may be liable to a maximum fine of RM2,000 or to a maximum imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.
"Preliminary investigation found that on July 20, 2025, at about 6pm, a 27-year-old victim was riding a motorcycle in the middle of the road when he unknowingly hit a kite string, which got stuck on his body and then his neck before the string broke.
"The victim then stopped on the side of the road and suffered burn-like injuries to his neck," he said in a statement today, adding that the victim also sought medical care at a clinic after the incident.
The victim did not fall off his vehicle during the incident.
Earlier, the New Straits Times reported that a video had been circulating online showing a motorcyclist sustaining neck injuries after riding into a stray kite string.
Under the viral video, social media users voiced concern about the suitability of kite-flying in city areas near roads.