ISKANDAR PUTERI: The police are investigating claims by the families of the three teenagers killed while riding motorcycles that they were not involved in illegal racing.

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said speeding cases had been recorded at the location of the accident where the three had died, as the road at Jalan Delima, Taman Kota Masai, Pasir Gudang, is straight and clear of any obstruction.

       “The location does not have any obstacles, so there might be those who took advantage of that situation (to race).

       “However, we will investigate the case thoroughly as we have been told by the family members that their kids did not participate in any illegal racing,” he said when met by reporters after the handing over of duties of the Iskandar Puteri OCPD at the district police headquarters here yesterday.

       Comm Kamarul Zaman said another possibility was that one of the motorcycles had suddenly fallen and collided with the other.

       The three teenagers were killed while another was seriously injured in the 10.30pm incident last Friday.

       Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak earlier said initial investigations showed that the incident happened when the victims, including pillion riders, were allegedly competing among themselves.

       The motorcycles are believed to have brushed against each other, causing the accident.

       Three victims were thrown to the left side of the road, and another to the right.

       On another matter, Comm Kamarul Zaman said that only 10% of the police force in the state would be allowed to take Hari Raya Aidilfitri leave.

       This does not include the traffic police department.

       He added that the police were expecting traffic congestion around the city centre as people make last-minute Hari Raya preparations.

       “We have close to 10,000 police officers and personnel in the state, but only 10% of them will be allowed to take Hari Raya leave.

       “We do expect congestion to occur, but it will be a ‘controlled congestion’. Our traffic personnel will patrol the highways and city centre to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

       “Motorists are advised to adhere to traffic regulations and don’t drive recklessly,” he added.

       He said policemen would be deployed for Ops Selamat beginning April 26, which includes traffic operations and patrols in residential areas and shopping centres during the Hari Raya period.