KOTA BARU – A total of 25 police personnel, including officers, in Kelantan have tested positive for Covid-19, and almost 200 others have been instructed to undergo quarantine to date.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat said being infected with the disease is part of the “sacrifice” of more than 3,000 cops in the state in discharging their daily duties and responsibilities.
This, he said is in addition to having to bear accusations and insults from some when police take action against them for violating standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“During the day we set up roadblocks and at night we conduct patrols. The challenge for our members is to deal with family problems as we don’t get to apply for leave,” he told Bernama.
He said there was an occasion when all the staff at a police station had to be quarantined because a colleague was infected with Covid-19.
“As a result, we had to send replacement members from the headquarters to the police station so as not to disrupt its operations,” he added.
Shafien said the public should understand how vulnerable police are to Covid-19 infections when on duty.
“For example, when we arrest a Covid-19-positive suspect and we do not know about his health status. From the time he is arrested and placed under remand in lockup till he is taken to court, policemen are at risk of being infected and (spreading the virus) to many others, if we are not careful,” he added.
He said this is the challenge police need to face in safeguarding the people’s interests and the country.
As such, he advised police personnel to cultivate a high level of patience as their actions are being observed by the public.
“To those who appreciate our role, such as people who provide personnel on duty at roadblocks with food and drinks, we thank you,” he said. – Bernama, February 12, 2021
