KUALA LUMPUR: Police yesterday arrested 44 people for violating standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the authorities will take stern action against offenders under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
He reminded the public as well as business operators to comply with the SOPs.
"On Tuesday, one person was arrested and 10 people were detained the next day (Wednesday). This shows the government is serious in ensuring compliance of the SOPs among the public," he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.
He said violators could be compounded or brought to court, with the offence punishable with a maximum fine of RM1,000 and six-months jail.
He said the recommendation made to the Attorney-General Chambers on possible court action is at the police's discretion.
"Follow the instructions and SOPs issued by the authorities to prevent legal action.
"Do not bring children and the elderly when going out as they are in the high-risk group (when exposed to Covid-19 infection). Cooperation and self-discipline are crucial in combating Covid-19."
He said the task force on SOP compliance conducted 67,617 operations yesterday, with checks carried out on 4,466 supermarkets,4,519 restaurants, 1,129 factories and 4,655 banks.
Ismail Sabri said 1,170 land, 199 water and 85 air transport terminals were inspected. The task force also checked 28,349 private vehicles and 2,320 public vehicles.
Also inspected were 2,404 public markets, 3,563 places of worship, 1,622 recreational areas and 289 construction sites.
"A total of 3,288 task force teams involving 17,060 personnel conducted the checks nationwide," he added.