Johor Bahru Selatan deputy police chief Azrul Hisham Shaffei said the teenagers, aged between 11 and 15, were detained and 16 bicycles were seized in the operation conducted in the city centre, Sinar Harian reported.

Azrul said the parents or guardians of the teenagers were called in to have their statements recorded.

He said the parents were warned that they could face jail terms or fines for negligence under the Child Act 2001, if the teenagers repeated the offence.

“Once their statements were recorded, all the teenagers involved were released and handed back to their parents or guardians.

“We advise the public, especially parents of underage children, to always monitor their activities so they do not get involved in behaviour that endangers themselves or other road users,” Azrul was quoted as saying.

He said 16 summonses were issued to the teenagers for offences, such as riding bicycles without brakes, without a bell, and without a rear red light.

Under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, parents or guardians could face a five-year jail term, a RM20,000 fine, or both, if found guilty of negligence in failing to supervise their children.