NIBONG TEBAL – Police will set up more roadblocks nationwide, and tighten patrols at rat lanes and back-end routes, to ensure no individual tries to cross state borders to celebrate the beginning of Ramadan next week.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Zainal Abidin Kasim said no advice or warning will be given, instead stern action will be taken against those who try to break the rules.
He said currently, there are about 35 roadblocks at each entry point and exit, as well as state borders, throughout the country.
“Muslims will start fasting on April 13, and there may be many interstate movements as it has become the culture of our people to celebrate Ramadan with their families in their hometowns.
“To prevent that from happening, and to break the Covid-19 chain, we will tighten border controls and set up more roadblocks.”
On the order asking individuals to prepare activity schedules if they want to apply for interstate travel, Zainal Abidin said it is not from police top management.
“We do not ask that (for an activity schedule), only the reasons why they need to cross state lines. Basically, everyone is advised to adhere to the movement control order.”
Zainal Abidin said this after completing the Sergeant Rank Application Ceremony for two Seberang Prai Tengah police station officers, who arrested members of an international drug trafficking syndicate on February 25.
Meanwhile, police are still waiting for the remaining 175 new Honda Civic 1.8 patrol cars, which should have been received last year, he added.
He said the 425 new patrol cars announced by the government are to replace existing ones, which are obsolete and no longer safe for use.
“In fact, we have 850 patrol cars that need upgrading, and we hope it can be replaced with the same type; the Honda Civic 1.8.”
In June last year, the Home Ministry announced that it will gradually take delivery of the new Honda Civic 1.8 for patrol duties until July this year.
The vehicles – equipped with support equipment, such as RMPNeT communication equipment, dashcam camera and portable digital video recorder – are leased on a concession basis with Spanco Sdn Bhd for five years. – The Vibes, April 7, 2021
