By Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

ILLEGAL racing in a foreign country is not an extra-territorial offence for Singaporeans, said lawyer Satwant Singh.

This means that, unlike drug consumption or cyber crimes committed by Singaporeans overseas, those who race illegally overseas cannot be prosecuted for it here.

But if the Malaysian police catch them, they will be in trouble with the law there.

Said lawyer N Kanagavijayan: 'Jurisdiction-wise, the Singapore police would have no authority over the illegal race in Johor.

'But the Singapore authorities can tip their Malaysian counterparts off on what is happening. Then, it's up to the Malaysian police to investigate the matter.'

Laying plans for an illegal race in a public domain is not against the law, but executing the plans is, said Mr Singh. If there is prize money involved, the severity of the penalty will be heavier under Malaysian laws, said Mr Kanagavijayan.

Should the riders decide to hand over the winner's prize money in Singapore, it could be considered as illegal gambling here too, he said.

This article was first published in The New Paper.