Malaysia’s RXZ biker fest: economic toll, political cover, and a 2028 sunset
KUALA LUMPUR — The annual RXZ Members motorcycle gathering in Terengganu has left five people dead and nearly 2,000 traffic summonses issued, reigniting a debate over the event’s economic cost, public safety burden, and political patronage. Organisers now say the festival may end after its 10th edition in 2028, or possibly earlier.
The eighth edition of the event, held from July 31 to August 1 in Kuala Terengganu, drew more than 200,000 participants from across Malaysia and Singapore. But the toll on public resources has sharpened scrutiny from health authorities and road safety advocates.
What is the economic impact of the RXZ gathering?
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad quantified the human cost on August 2, noting that each road fatality results in economic losses estimated at RM3.12 million (S$980,000). With five deaths this year — matching 2025’s toll — the direct economic loss alone exceeds RM15.6 million. Reported road accidents more than doubled from 11 in 2025 to 29 this year, according to Terengganu police chief Mohd Khairi Khairudin.
“My suggestion is that responsible riding messages and road safety advocacy must be made a mandatory agenda in every event,” Dzulkefly said in a statement, “so that unnecessary loss of lives due to excessive speed does not happen again.”
The event also strains hospital resources. Dr Mahyuddin Mohamed, head of orthopaedics at Kemaman Hospital, said beds, medication, and blood supplies meant for other patients had to be diverted to injured riders. “This accident would not have happened without the RXZ festival,” he wrote on Facebook. “Are the benefits really that great compared with the burden placed on the health sector, human resources and families?”
Why does the RXZ gathering enjoy political backing?
Despite public criticism, the event — controversial since its 2017 launch — has long enjoyed political cover from both sides of Malaysia’s political divide. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself courted participants, many of whom are regarded as supporters of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), which governs Terengganu. During the 2025 edition, Anwar sent his senior political secretary Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin to announce a RM300,000 government contribution.
“We hope this support will encourage the organisers to continue organising similar programmes in the future,” Shamsul told reporters in August 2025.
In September 2025, PAS Youth wing leaders theatrically revved RXZ motorcycles when entering their annual congress in Alor Setar — a move seen by observers as an attempt to project a rebellious, relatable image to Malay youths.
But the political calculus may be shifting. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) said on August 2 it would review its support for any future editions. Director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said the department would issue summonses to the organisers, along with an ultimatum. “JPJ looks after the public interest, not the interests of the participants and not the interests of the organisers,” he said. “So if there are actions that endanger the public, we will take action.”
What is the RX-Z motorcycle’s cultural significance?
The event takes its name from the Yamaha RX-Z motorcycle (the hyphen is dropped to become RXZ). First introduced in 1985, the lightweight 135cc bike has retained a cult following long after production ended in 2011. Widely modified for performance and appearance, it has long been associated with Malaysia’s mat rempit illegal street-racing subculture, although many owners are law-abiding enthusiasts.
This year, police seized 222 motorcycles for various offences, including illegal exhaust modifications, and issued 1,850 traffic summonses. Among those arrested was a Singaporean in his 20s, detained for performing the “Superman” stunt — lying flat and stretched out on the bike — while riding on the East Coast Expressway (LPT) near Kuala Berang.
Separately, a 13-year-old boy suffered burns over 60 per cent of his body after the motorcycle he was riding with his mother was allegedly struck by an RX-Z motorcycle on July 31. He remains in a medically induced coma.
Will the RXZ gathering end by 2028?
Organisers have hinted that the programme may conclude after its 10th edition. Speaking to reporters on August 2, programme director Mohamad Faizal Mat Ali said he never intended for the gathering to continue indefinitely. “If my plans and expectations go accordingly, RXZ Members may close its curtain on the 10th series in 2028, or perhaps earlier,” he said.
The announcement comes amid a growing chorus from the Malaysian public calling for a ban. On Threads, Ahmad Ridzuan recounted witnessing one of the fatal crashes on August 2 while returning from a holiday on Pulau Redang. “A passion for motorcycles is not a licence to endanger others,” he wrote.
FAQ: RXZ Members gathering and its future
Why is the RXZ gathering controversial?
The event has drawn criticism for its high road fatality rate, strain on public health resources, and association with illegal street-racing culture. Five people died in 2026, matching 2025’s toll, while road accidents more than doubled year-on-year.
What is the economic cost of the event?
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad estimates each road fatality costs RM3.12 million (S$980,000) in economic losses. With five deaths in 2026, the direct loss exceeds RM15.6 million, not including hospitalisation costs and police resources.
Who supports the RXZ gathering politically?
The event has backing from both Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government and PAS, which governs Terengganu. Anwar contributed RM300,000 in 2025, while PAS Youth used the bikes as a political symbol. However, the Road Transport Department has now signalled it may withdraw support.
When will the RXZ gathering end?
Organiser Mohamad Faizal Mat Ali says the event may conclude after its 10th edition in 2028, or possibly earlier, due to safety concerns and public pressure.