GEORGE TOWN – Penang top cop Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan is keeping some 3,000 personnel on their toes this Hari Raya Aidilfitri, deploying them to man roadblocks and conduct patrols to ensure adherence to Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
He said the public’s health and safety are of the utmost importance.
“We will deploy almost all (police officers) to the ground. Only a few will be on duty at the office,” he told a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters today.
“There will be 15 roadblocks across the state, and 105 officers from the city council and other agencies like Rela and the Fire and Rescue Department (on duty, too).
“It may pose an inconvenience to the public, but it is for the best for the people of Penang.”
There will be patrols in residential areas, but no door-to-door checks.
Sahabudin said no leave has been granted for some 6,000 police personnel, adding that even those not working are not allowed to leave for their hometowns, given that state borders are closed.
They are considered on standby, he said.
About 86% of the state’s 6,022 cops have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Sahabudin urged people to be extra careful this festive season.
“Everyone should be careful, including road users. Though we are still under the (conditional) movement control order (CMCO), there is a lot of traffic build-up because economic sectors are operating.
“Also, please be aware of who comes into your residential area. This is also why we are increasing our patrols.
“We will perform checks to stop the sale and use of fireworks, too.”
State Local Government, Housing, and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said Covid-19 infections in Penang is under control given that the CMCO is in place.
“Though the numbers are still rising, other data should also be taken into consideration, like the SOP compliance rate.
“We need to look at where the cases are concentrated, so there is no need to call for the MCO to be imposed on the whole state. However, the decision is up to the ministry.
“We can give our views, but at the end of the day, the people must follow the SOPs and register for vaccination.
“The numbers are there for us to see, and whether the MCO is announced will depend on what happens next.”
Penang recorded 195 new coronavirus cases yesterday, 176 of whom are locals.
The state saw 2,130 infections in the two weeks from April 22 to May 5.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently announced the implementation of the MCO in six Selangor districts and Kuala Lumpur. – The Vibes, May 6, 2021
