It was a heart-wrenching weekend when the country lost eight teenagers in Johor, who were mowed down by a car while out on a joyride at 3am on their modified bicycles.
Such a tragedy is hard for the families and nation, but all parties must take cognisance, as well as steps to ensure that there will not be a recurrence.
Towards this end, Negri Sembilan police have given their assurance that they will pay attention to cycling groups involving underage children and youth to avoid untoward incidents.
State deputy police chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Muhamad Zaki Harun on Sunday said a directive to be on alert regarding the activity had been issued to all stations in the state.
“We have received information on the activity in the state, especially Seremban, but the numbers are small.
“There is nothing wrong with the activity.
“But, when it is done in the odd hours of the night, it should be avoided as it exposes children to danger and unhealthy influences.”
This is a welcome relief, as police will not allow the activity to be carried out in big groups without the supervision of the authorities due to the danger it poses.
A directive has also been issued to police’s Traffic Department, calling for it to monitor the activity.
Police should collaborate with residents’ associations to curb the involvement of teens and children in the activity, or monitor and advise them.
Residents must provide police with information on the activity to enable the authorities to take action.
The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation has urged the authorities, including police, to prosecute parents who allow their underage children to roam around unattended during “inappropriate” hours.
Its vice-chairman, Datuk Kamarudin Md Ali, said action could be taken based on provisions under the Child Act 2001.
This is a timely move, as letting our children roam outside the house unattended after midnight exposes them to a multitude of risks.
If the authorities start to take action against parents, it is hoped that the latter will be more strict in controlling their children’s movements.
Local authorities, too, have to be proactive by identifying ideal locations for cycling.
They can identify abandoned tracts of land that can be converted into cycling tracks, or even a velodrome, so that children can partake in the activity safely.
There are calls for Sunday to be a car-free day in big cities.
Perhaps, Seremban can introduce such a day, or build dedicated bicycle lanes.
Who knows, maybe one day, teens with their basikal nyamuk can become world champions, or even Olympians!
Successful and influential cycling greats, like Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, can serve to inspire children to excel in cycling — or any other field, for that matter.
Teenagers are in the prime of their lives. They are hyperactive, adventurous and curious to learn the ways of the world.
Thus, it is our duty and moral obligation to help them channel their exuberance and zest for life via legal and safe means, to ensure their safety and long-term wellbeing.
Zaidi Isham Ismail, a former assistant
news editor at ‘Business Times’, is NST’s Negri Sembilan bureau chief