KOTA KINABALU – Despite the overcrowding at Kepayan Prison, which has been placed under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) following the detection of Covid-19 cases among inmates, social distancing is being observed, said an official.
Sabah Prisons acting director Nora Musa said the facility, built to hold 1,500 inmates, currently has 3,000.
“The Health Ministry and armed forces have set up tents and utilised other spaces in the prison complex to house the inmates,” she told a press conference outside the Kepayan Prison staff quarters today.
“This way, we have managed to maintain social distancing at the prison.”
She said prison personnel’s work is continuing as usual.
“Covid-19 screening (at the prison) is nearing its end, with about 90% already screened. Only 12 officers have tested positive.
“Officers who don’t live at the staff quarters have been placed inside the prison area.
“They have access to psychological and health officers, and also religious officers, who provide motivation and counselling. These officers are also staying in the prison compound.”
Kepayan Prison and its staff quarters are under the EMCO from October 21 to November 11.
City police chief Habibi Majinji, meanwhile, said: “As of last night, in Kota Kinabalu, there were 557 Covid-19 cases, and of that figure, 434 are from the Kepayan Prison cluster.
“Two days ago, the authorities had a meeting to identify localities (in Kota Kinabalu) with Covid-19 cases.
“At present, there are no new (clusters)... and we hope there won’t be more clusters in the Kota Kinabalu area.”
On the statewide conditional movement control order (CMCO), he said police are conducting patrols to ensure compliance with the rules.
“Last night, we compounded 23 people. Since the CMCO was enforced on October 13, we have compounded 404 people.”
He said four roadblocks have been set up around the state capital.
“The Tuaran bypass and Polytechnic roadblocks are to prevent movement in and out of Tuaran, which is a different district from Kota Kinabalu.
“There are also two other roadblocks within Kota Kinabalu.
“Putatan, Kota Kinabalu and Penampang are considered as one zone. Those wishing to leave this zone must get police’s permission first.” – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
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