KL traffic investigation and enforcement chief Zamzuri Isa said the teens, aged 14 to 17, had flouted traffic rules when riding their bicycles which did not have brakes, bells and lights. The teens were also racing.

Zamzuri said the teens could have been punished more severely but officers decided to just make them do squats and shake the hands of the officers and apologise.

“The group of teenagers were then told not to ride their bikes anymore and to return home, before dispersing.

“Advocacy measures like this can raise awareness and help younger offenders understand traffic rules better. This gives them the chance to improve themselves and avoid committing the same offence in the future,” he said in a statement.

The police officers had drawn praise from netizens over the unconventional punishment after a video of the teens doing the squats went viral.