GEORGE TOWN – Confusion reigned for a while here, after a video clip of Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's announcement that the Penang prison would be placed under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) went viral on social media.
The problem was the clip had muted Ismail’s lengthy explanation, leaving only the words George Town audible, so listeners became confused and presumed that it was the entire district of George Town that was to go under lockdown.
George Town district police chief Soffian Santong later clarified that the clip was tampered with, adding that there was also no truth to another viral recording that 18 police officers had tested positive for Covid-19.
He advised the public not to spread the lies, as they would face the law if they were found to have played a part in channelling fake news.
Formally, Soffian disclosed that the EMCO will take place from midnight on Thursday until October 27 and will encompass a 1.73km radius around the Penang prison in Jalan Penjara.
A total of 158 security personnel, including police, the military and civil defence personnel would be deployed to help cut the transmission rate.
A total of 2,298 detainees in seven blocks and 390 prison staff and wardens living in the staff quarters would be subjected to the Emco, which would be imposed for the first time in Penang since the nationwide EMCO in April-May.
Schools in the area are closed and there are no commercial activities during the lockdown, when all forms of movement would be screened.
Security personnel will be stationed at the road blocks; Jalan Penjara will be totally closed including parts of Jalan Berek. – The Vibes, October 14, 2020
