PUTRAJAYA – New SOPs by the Prisons Department on handling of inmates will include a no-visitor policy and sanitising of facilities twice a day, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.
During a press briefing broadcasted from his Facebook page today, he said there are currently standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to manage current and incoming prisoners as well as their transport to court.
On accepting new inmates, Ismail Sabri said they will be quarantined as soon as they arrive and screened for Covid-19.
“Inmates who show symptoms during the quarantine period must be referred to the hospital and a second Covid-19 test will be carried out on the 13th day.”
He said after undergoing quarantine, the inmates who are found Covid-19 negative will be housed in permanent placement blocks on the 15th day where they will be separated from other inmates for an additional five days.
He added a special task force for prison operations had also been formed while the operations of some temporary prison facilities are reopened to avoid congestion.
He has assured that all inmates will not be allowed to leave the prisons unless they are seeking treatment and to reduce congestion.
The Health Ministry yesterday confirmed the death of an 85-year-old inmate at the Penang Prison, while 401 out of the 691 new Covid-19 cases on the same day were recorded from a prison and a detention centre in Kedah and Perak.
For the transfer of detainees to court, Ismail Sabri said prison authorities will ensure physical distancing in vehicles, while health screenings on accompanying officers and detainees will determine if they are fit for travel.
He said applications for matters such as remand extensions can be done via video conferencing to reduce Covid-19 transmission among magistrates and courtroom staff.
No to fake news
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri refuted the recent allegations about 13 ministers testing positive for Covid-19 and that action will be taken against those who spread false information.
“The government through the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are committed to tackling the spread of fake news.
“We will not tolerate any party that causes public panic and discord,” he said, adding stern action would be taken against the culprits regardless of their background.
As of today, some 270 investigation papers have been opened by the police and MCMC regarding fake news on Covid-19.
Of this, 133 cases are under investigation, while 35 have seen convictions in court, 19 have pleaded guilty while 12 had been issued warnings, he said.
Enough essential goods
Ismail Sabri said the supply of essential goods in the country are sufficient and able to meet domestic demand.
He added the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has been conducting daily checks on the supply of 12 types of goods at 617 premises, including 428 retailers, 160 wholesalers and 29 producers. – The Vibes, October 8, 2020
