KOTA KINABALU – Police will no longer tolerate those who flout circuit-breaker measures, as Sabah bans the annual “balik kampung” exodus for the second time since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out early last year.
Roadblocks at 51 entry points will be set up from today until May 16 in the state. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on Thursday.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said fines will be issued immediately to those who do not have valid inter-district travel permits.
All seven previously established travel zones have been cancelled, but movement within Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Putatan are allowed.
“The one-week ruling will involve 2,103 personnel and 358 compliance teams, who will be making house-to-house rounds and checking the cemetery for those who flout standard operating procedures.
“I have noticed active movements, with those from the west coast travelling to the east coast, and vice versa, since yesterday.
“We will wait for their return, and check whether they have valid permits. If they don’t (have valid permits), we will ask them to turn back from where they came.”
Hazani said police have rejected many movement requests from the public to travel between districts, adding that they do not accept excuses like sending money or Hari Raya Aidilfitri cookies.
Those who have taken flights out of the state will have to undergo the mandatory quarantine once they return, he added.
This mostly concerns teachers from the peninsula and couples in long-distance relationships. – The Vibes, May 10, 2021
