KUALA TERENGGANU, January 1- A total of 35 motorcycles and a car were seized in a Special Motorcycle Operation in the state in conjunction with the New Year's Eve last night.

In the operation that took place from 8.00 am to 12 midnight, a total of 1,172 summons notices were issued involving various offences.

According to the Terengganu Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director, Zamri Samion, there has been a significant increase in offences involving illegal modifications to motorcycles this year.

He said the increase of cases especially during the New Year's Eve celebration, was also detected among juvenile offenders who are school leavers and still under the supervision of parents or guardians.

He said that there is a concern that these illegal modifications are the starting point for offences that can lead to road accidents regardless of age.

"The purpose of this operation is not to punish, but to raise public awareness for those who still do not respect the law even though operations like this are carried out every year.

"In the context of extreme motorcycles, the main matter under the 1996 CNU Rules involves dangerous modifications.

"Among them, the modification of the 'swing arm' which completely changes the vehicle structure, the absence of brakes, the use of squid tires or small tires, as well as the absence of side mirrors and noisy exhaust," he said.

He said this during the New Year's Operation dubbed as Op Ambang Tahun Baru press conference, here last night.