The prime minister’s wife, Rosmah Mansor, is concerned about social ills involving the country’s youths, especially those branded as ‘Mat Rempit’.

As such, she has set up a programme called ‘Perkasa Remaja’ after she felt “called” to approach this group.

“I am concerned over social ills among youths especially those called ‘Mat Rempit’ who ride motorcycles without thinking about their own as well as others’ safety.

“This became the reason why I intend to get close to these youths so that they can be guided in order to realise their true potential for them to one day contribute to the country,” said Rosmah in her speech at the closing ceremony of the ninth series of the Perkasa Remaja camp in Kuala Lumpur today.

Her speech was read out by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia vice-chancellor Noor Azlan Ghazali.

The Perkasa Remaja programme is an intervention programme focused on teenagers involved in high-risk motorcycle activities to enable them to build their self-confidence as well as to educate them to be responsible individuals.

The Perkasa Remaja camp was established in 2010 but had previously been more focused on community activities.

Eight series have been launched with participation from 250 youths between the ages of 16 and 25.

The group consists of those who were involved in social ills such as illegal bike racing, drug abuse, theft, gambling and viewing pornography.

Nevertheless, 15 percent of these youths have successfully furthered their studies at various educational and technical institutions.