KUALA LUMPUR: In the past seven days, police have arrested 110 individuals for flouting the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said action would be taken against those were out for no valid reason.
He said police had also obtained the green light to increase the compliance rate to curb the spread of the Covid-19 infection.
“We have started making arrests and a total of 110 individuals were arrested for flouting the MCO. For those who thought they are immune to the coronavirus and continue to act tough, please don’t be surprised that you will be handcuffed and may end up spending the night in the lock-up.
“Those arrested not only disobeyed the order but they had cursed, challenged and threatened officers for enforcing the order,” he said at the RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme this morning.
Hamid was invited to participate on the show in conjunction with the 213th Police Day celebrations today.
In explaining the challenges faced by his men in enforcing the MCO, he urged members of the public not to take advantage of the term “essential travel”.
He said that there were instances where the drivers were asked why they were out and their answers were to get food.
“During a roadblock at Sungai Buloh yesterday, a motorist, when asked where they were from, they said they were from Shah Alam.
"Is it necessary to travel from Shah Alam to Sungai Buloh just to buy food? That person was eventually chased back, I know the term ‘chase’ might seem rude, but this is to make sure they do not take advantage of the situation during this time,” he said.
Hamid said that it was not like they have the data of 32 million Malaysians and know when they travel and whether they are flouting the MCO or not.
“It does not have to reach that level, all we ask is their understanding, make a sacrifice, don’t be selfish,” he said.
Meanwhile, the nation’s top cop said Malaysians MCO compliance rate had increased to 92 per cent currently, compared to 60 per cent on the first day of the MCO.
He said 234,646 vehicles were inspected in roadblocks and snap-checks conducted in the past one week.
Hamid also said police were prepared for any eventuality including the extension of the MCO.
“Currently we have 42,000 policemen who are involved in the MCO, we will deploy another 18,000 reservists if needed,” he said.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has since directed that the MCO be extended until April 14.
As of press time, Malaysia has recorded 1,624 Covid-19 cases, with 17 fatalities, while 183 patients have recovered.