District police chief Soffian Santong said the motorcycle groups came from several states, including Kedah and as far as Johor.

They were not here to race but were in George Town for sightseeing and relaxation, he said.

Soffian said these groups entered the island at about midnight last night, but police did not detect any plans to hold illegal racing.

“They only come to the island to go sightseeing and relax for the weekend. From the Penang Bridge, they moved in groups to Padang Kota Lama via the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway,” he told a press conference here today.

Since early this morning, several video clips have gone viral on social media showing groups of bikers entering parts of the island, allegedly to engage in illegal racing activities.

Soffian said police had been following their movements closely.

Police saw them entering a petrol station on the coastal highway at 1.30am and inspected 23 motorcycles, with their riders comprising men aged 16 to 25.

Nine motorcycles were seized after inspection and 48 summonses issued for various offences, such as illegally modified exhaust pipes, and other offences regarding licences, road tax, number plates and side mirrors.

The groups were also found to be obstructing traffic, he added.