In an incident highlighting the discretionary powers exercised by police officers, two young girls faced an unusual yet lenient punishment for riding their motorbike without helmets through a police barricade. This event, akin to a mere slap on the wrist, was captured on TikTok, drawing significant attention and sparking discussions among netizens.
The incident took place near Sungai Tapang in Tumpat, Kelantan. The video shows the two girls performing ear squats at the roadside as instructed by the police officers. Unaware that their actions were being recorded, the girls complied with the officers demands, performing the squats with a mix of embarrassment and compliance.
"Ha, never wear helmet, ah?" one of the officers can be heard saying in the video, reflecting the stern yet somewhat paternalistic approach often taken by police in such situations.
The video quickly gained traction online, with netizens sharing their own experiences of encounters with police during their youth. One user commented, "When I was stopped by the police, I did not have my license yet. The police made me tow my bike all the way home." Another shared a similar story, "I was made to sing Negaraku because I did not have with me my IC."
These stories, while humorous in hindsight, underscore the broader issue of how young people are disciplined for minor infractions. The responses from netizens reveal a common thread of police officers using creative, albeit unconventional, methods to teach lessons to young offenders without resorting to severe penalties.
The incident near Sungai Tapang serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, especially for young motorcyclists. Helmets, often seen as an inconvenience by many, are crucial for protecting riders in the event of an accident. The police, in this case, opted for a memorable yet mild form of punishment, likely hoping that the girls would remember the lesson learned and prioritize wearing helmets in the future.
As the video continues to circulate on social media, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a nostalgic reflection for many. It highlights the enduring role of police discretion in maintaining public safety and the creative ways officers sometimes handle minor transgressions.
