21 M’sian teens, caught by police for cycling recklessly, made to do squats by roadside

A group of teenagers in Malaysia were forced to do squats by the police after being caught recklessly riding with modified bicycles.

On Jan. 1, 2025, the Royal Malaysia Police posted a video of the "punishment" on its Facebook page.

The post stated that these teenagers were caught by police and Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers on Dec. 31, 2024.

The police added that the squats were to ensure the youth followed and respected traffic laws and regulations.

Deterrence and warning

According to Bernama, 21 teenagers aged 14 to 17 were disciplined on the spot after being caught riding their bicycles recklessly.

The police also found that their bicycles were modified and lacked safety features like brakes, bells and lights.

The teenagers were stopped at a roadblock along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Lumpur (KL) on Dec. 31, 2024, as part of Operation New Year's Eve 2025.

KL Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JPST) chief Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said the teens were riding dangerously and engaging in competitive behaviour. Their actions violated the Road Traffic Rules, which could result in their bicycles being confiscated.

However, a senior JPST officer and JPJ officer opted to issue a "stern warning and discipline the teenagers by requiring them to perform 'ketuk ketampi' (doing squats while holding on to one's ears) as a form of advocacy and deterrence", Zamzuri said in a statement.

At the end of their "punishment", the teenagers shook hands and apologised to the officers at the scene, Bernama reported. They were also warned against further reckless behaviour and were told to go home immediately.

"This approach serves as a warning to teenagers involved, deterring them from repeating such offences. Advocacy efforts like this also help raise awareness and enhance young offenders' understanding of road safety laws," Zamzuri added.

He urged youths to avoid reckless behaviour on the roads, stressing the prevention of injuries and deaths.

He also reminded parents to play an active role in ensuring their children do not engage in activities that violate the law.

Top photos via Royal Malaysia Police/Facebook