JITRA: A woman who was ordered to undergo quarantine within the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO) area in Kubang Pasu, Kedah was busted for buying groceries outside of the TEMCO administrative area.
Kubang Pasu district police chief Superintendent Mohd Ismail Ibrahim said the 30-year-old woman was identified by the supermarket operator through the pink quarantine wristband that she wore.
He said when questioned, the woman claimed she was unaware that her movements were only limited to the TEMCO area. She said she only came out to buy basic items and daily necessities.
"We were alerted by the supermarket operator after one of them noticed the band on her wrist. They apprehended her and alerted the police.
"The case is being investigated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342)" he said.
He said the woman was issued a RM1,000 compound for her offence.
Mohd Ismail said those living within the TEMCO areas are only allowed to move within a one-kilometre radius of the location.
"Anyone found venturing farther than the permitted distance will be subject to stern action," he said.
Police believe that the woman had used a 'rat lane' or side roads to leave the restricted area, as all the other main roads had been blocked by security personnel.
"There are eight access points. All of them have roadblocks set up since Aug 3," he said.
He added that since the TEMCO was enforced in the district, police have issued 82 compounds.
A total of 224 policemen have been assigned to the TEMCO areas. Op Covid is assisted by reinforcements from the Kedah police contingent headquarters, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and People's Volunteer Corp (Rela).
"So far, all residents in the three areas, namely Napoh, Jitra and Megat Dewa, have undergone health screening tests following the discovery of the Sivagangga PUI cluster here last month," he said.
Mohd Ismail added that some residents are afraid to undergo the test because they fear that they would run out of rations due to the 14-day quarantine period.
"Rest assured there is no shortage of food, as agencies are continuing to distribute food items to those in the affected areas," he said.