KUALA LUMPUR – The number of people defying restrictions under the movement control order (MCO) to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus shows no sign of abating.
A total of 759 people were caught for flouting MCO directives yesterday, an increase compared to the 680 nabbed on Thursday.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said 715 of the violators were issued with compound fines and 44 were remanded.
The MCO offences included unauthorised travelling across districts/states (203 cases), failing to practise physical distancing (167), not wearing face masks (117) and leaving home without reasonable excuse (84).
Offenders were also caught failing to provide equipment for recording particulars of customers (57 cases), carrying extra passengers in a car (22), operating a commercial premise beyond stipulated hours (12), having entertainment outlet activities (8) and other MCO offences (89).
Ismail Sabri also said that during Ops Benteng yesterday, 36 undocumented people and two traffickers were arrested, while four land vehicles and a boat were seized. A total of 531 roadblocks were mounted nationwide to help detect and curb illegal immigration.
“The government will take stern action against anyone who tries to enter the country without documents and enforcement agencies will continue to tighten controls at the borders, especially at rat trails,” he said.
On the quarantining of people arriving into the country, Ismail Sabri said that a total 120,500 individuals were put under quarantine between July 24, 2020 and yesterday at a total of 73 hotels and 12 public training institutes nationwide.
“Of these, 5,690 individuals are undergoing compulsory quarantine now while 551 have been sent to hospital for treatment and 114,259 have been allowed to return home,” he said.
Yesterday, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement officers conducted daily monitoring of 11 types of supplies at 696 business premises comprising retailers (513 premises), wholesalers (152) and manufacturers (31).
Overall, the supply of essential goods was found to be sufficient, easily available and meeting the needs of the country, Ismail Sabri said. – The Vibes, February 13, 2021