JOHOR BARU: The Johor Education Department is urging schools in the state to identify students taking part in riding modified bicycles, known as 'basikal lajak'.
Its director Shaharudin Sharif said today that the department is aware that there are students involved in such activity and hopes they will be made aware of the danger.
"Once identified, we want schools to organise awareness programmes that will discourage them from doing this. If possible, we want the students to hand over the bicycles to school authorities," said Shaharudin.
He also urged parents to constantly monitor their children and not allow them to go out of the house at night.
"These children should be at home with their families at that hour."
He said the department has extended necessary assistance to the families of the victims.
"We have also asked our counsellors to help the families handle the trauma of losing their loved ones. There are seven counsellors available for them," said Shaharudin.
He said families of the students who were killed in the accident will also receive compensation of RM5,000 each as the students were insured under the Student Takaful Scheme.
"Those injured in the accident will also receive compensations. The amount will depend on the extent of their injuries and how long they have to stay in hospital." said Shaharudin.