NUSAJAYA: Thousands of motorcyclists made a noisy appearance at the Dataran Mahkota here. But they were not taking part in an illegal race.

They wanted to get themselves in the Malaysia Book of Records, trying to break a feat that has stood unbeaten for the past eight years.

From kapchai (70cc motorcycles) to superbikes and even the iconic Harley-Davidsons, the bikers successfully created a new record with a gathering of more than 23,000 motorcyclists at a single venue. It was organised by the Johor Coalition of Malay Rights Groups Council (Gabung).

Gabung information chief Abdullah Md Yusop said the gathering was also an opportunity to get to know the Mat Rempit in the hopes of getting them away from illegal races.

He said the event, which was held to mark the Sultan of Johor’s coronation ceremony, also attracted enthusiasts from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei.

“We worked with two major Malaysian motorcycle clubs. Word spread like wildfire and thousands of motorcyclists participated.”

Abdullah said 20,000 registration stickers were snapped up within three hours.-thestar