Schools in Johor are directed to detect students involved in cycling gangs and provide them with counselling, said State Education director Shaharudin Sharif.

Speaking to reporters at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital's Forensic Department here today, he said the Education Department had implemented standard operating procedures requiring schools to conduct awareness programmes besides reminding students not to be involved in dangerous activities.

"Parents also played an important role in getting rid of modified bicycles that are owned by their children before any untoward incidents occur," he said on the incident in which eight teen cyclists were killed after they were mowed down by a car at 3 am here today.

Another eight were injured, including two critically in the accident at Jalan Lingkaran Dalam here.

Meanwhile Johor Education deputy director Azman Adnan said the department has provided six counselling and guidance teachers for the families of the eight teenagers killed in the accident at Jalan Lingkaran Dalam here.

They had been sent to hospital to provide advice and moral support to the next-of-kin, he said.

Meanwhile in GEORGE TOWN, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said her ministry would also provide counseling services to help family members of the victims coped emotionally with the incident.

"We will wait for the investigation by the police before taking any further action and the Welfare Department will cooperate with the police if there is an element of negligence in this case," she said.

She told reporters this after officiating at the opening of the Global Learning and Training Academy here today.

She said to avoid any such incidents, parents must ensure the safety of their children, especially those still schooling at all times. -- BERNAMA