In a remark following a fatal accident involving a group of boys, he said it was lamentable that some youths preferred to live life on the fast lane instead of making use of the abundance of opportunities available for safe cycling.
In Saturday’s tragedy, a car slammed into ten boys who were out cycling at 3am. Eight were killed and two were left fighting for their lives in a hospital. The accident happened on Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, Johor Bahru
“The state government has provided suitable places for recreational activities such as bicycle lanes in Bandar Dato’ Onn as well as the forest in Bandar Mutiara Tini, among other places,” Zulkarnain told FMT.
He also pointed to the “Car-Free Day” in the centre of Johor Bahru every second Saturday of the month.
“So we have provided several platforms for people to cycle safely,” he said.
He said accidents like the Saturday tragedy stemmed from the natural desire in youngsters to want to try new things and their failure to fully understand the importance of safety.
“Those involved in illegal bicycle racing are too young and reckless to judge what is good and bad,” he said. “Therefore, it is the role of those closest to them, including family members, to monitor their activities.
“No matter how many rules and regulations you set up, they will be useless if there isn’t cooperation from all parties.”
He said youth programmes in the state were usually catered to those who had finished school, adding that the Johor Umno Youth wing had taken several initiatives to increase the number of these programmes, especially those involving sports and volunteerism.
“Those who are in school are under the care of the schools and their parents,” he said. “Everything they do should be monitored and be given prior permission by their parents and guardians.”