Just a few hours after the city was celebrating the Chingay Festival, the atmosphere of festivity was scattered by the shocking news of the fatal accident involving eight teen cyclists in Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, near here early yesterday morning.
Another eight teenagers were injured, two critically, and all 16 victims were aged between 13 to 17 years.
According to witnesses who were involved in the incident and survived, there were about 50 to 60 teenagers on bicycle when it occurred while they were heading to the Johor Bahru City Square.
The location, which is quite 'far' from residential areas, is a favourite place for the people at weekends, especially for teenagers to meet.
This writer has on numerous occasions came across these groups of teenagers cycling on the road used by cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles.
The route home is an alternative one to Pasir Gudang and Johor Port, which is frequently used by tankers and big cargo lorries.
These teenagers would cycle through this route and pass through several busy roads heading to the city simply to spend time with their peers with similar interests.
Even more alarming is that the teen cyclists used modified bicycles with no lights and wear dark clothes, which is obviously unsuitable for road use.
According to Johor Bahru Selatan District Police chief ACP Sulaiman Salleh, a total of 28 operations were conducted last year to combat such activities and 37 modified bicycles were seized.
So far this year, 17 such bicycles were seized from five operations that were conducted, he said.
This data indicated that the authorities were constantly carrying out their duties to curb such activities but to no avail.
Throughout yesterday (Saturday), the writer often heard colleagues and others saying these teen cyclists were "gambling with their lives" on the roads with no trepidation on their faces.
Did the parents or local community take the matter for granted that such a tragedy happened?
Or if the parents had supervised their children or members of the community took it upon themselves to "mentor" these teenagers, will the tragedy be averted?
When such a tragedy occurred, someone will start pointing fingers, finding fault with each other.
From another perspective, the public must play their role as a prudent driver on the road, which will certainly save lives should an accident took place.
In the incident at 3 am yesterday, the teen cyclists involved were mowed down by a car driven by a 22-year-old woman.
Cycling is a great activity but the tragedy should served as a lesson learnt that these teenagers needed guidance so that their interest is not being misunderstood and follow the proper channels.
This message was driven home by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar when visiting the family members and next-of-kins of the victims at the Forensic Department of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital on Saturday morning.
"The dead will not come back, let them go, this is also a lesson to parents not to allow their children go out at night.
"Let them (children) cry, rather than us. I also had a son who had passed on never to come back, if I am sad, you as parents to the victims must be more so. This is my advice," he added. -- Bernama
Bernama
Sun Feb 19 2017
The location of the accident early Saturday morning, which is quite 'far' from residential areas, is a favourite place for the people at weekends, especially for teenagers to meet. - Filepic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.