Johor police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the matter would be investigated thoroughly to ensure justice for those affected.

“In the case of the three teenagers, we will investigate as a family has claimed that the boy was not an illegal racer. We want to be fair (to everyone).

“That area is a hotspot (for illegal racing). But for this case, we will investigate in greater detail.

“I hope the family will be patient,” he told a press conference after a ceremony for handing over duties to the new Iskandar Puteri district police chief here today.

Kamarul was asked to comment on claims that Adam Danish Mohd Fairu, 16, one of the three killed in the crash, was a responsible boy who had never been involved in road racing.

Kamarul advised people to practise defensive driving and not to be influenced by illegal racing groups.

Yesterday, police issued a statement that three boys, aged 15 and 16, were killed and a 17-year-old was seriously injured after three motorcycles, suspected to be involved in racing, crashed at Jalan Delima in Taman Kota Masai about 10.30pm on Friday.

Meanwhile, Kamarul said only 10% of the 10,000 officers and men in Johor would be given Hari Raya Aidilfitri leave.

He said many police personnel would be involved in conducting the Op Selamat, beginning on April 28, which includes traffic operations and patrols in residential areas and shopping centres during the Raya period.