KUALA LUMPUR: City police have launched operations to enforce the Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
They have set up roadblocks at some areas since yesterday.
Members of the public spotted loitering outside were questioned and ordered to disperse, except for those involved in essential services.
For now, police said they would merely advised the people on the importance of the MCO, but warned that action would be taken, including arrest, if they continue to disobey the order.
City police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said to ensure people adhered to MCO, they have set up roadblocks at several areas to curb unnecessary travel.
“We will inspect those who fail to follow the instructions to stay home and advise those working in essential services as classified by the National Security Council,” he said in a statement today.
Mazlan urged the public to comply with the MCO for the safety and well-being of the community.
Those with questions or information can contact the City Police hotline at 03-2115 9999 or go the nearest police stations.
Meanwhile, Selangor police warned that action will be taken against those who failed to adhere to the 14-day MCO.
State Criminal Investigations Department chief Datuk Fadzil Ahmat said based on feedback from his men who conducted “Ops Covid-19” last night, there were still people who failed to grasp the meaning and importance of the MCO.
“I want to thank those who have followed the MCO and stayed home, it’s really helpful.
“But, from last night’s operation, we noticed that some people are still gathering at eateries, some still went out for fishing, one group was found holding a meeting at a temple while another group performed Isyak prayer at a mosque.
“They seemed not to understand why MCO was imposed,” he told reporters at Selangor police headquarters, here, today.
He said police would take more drastic action under the provision of the law if people still failed to abide by the MCO.
Fadzil said operations would continue to be held throughout Selangor especially at popular hotspots to ensure that members of the public understood the significance of MCO.
“Please adhere to the Order, this is for the good of all,” he plead.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin pleaded to Malaysians not to hold gatherings, go on holiday or ‘balik kampung’ during the 14-day MCO period.
The Health Ministry also said failure of the MCO was not an option and warned of a third wave of the virus if the public failed to follow instructions.