Fewer S.O.P. violations in transition to CMCO

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of compounds issued for those who flout Movement Control Order (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOP) is seeing a decline, as several states, including Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, enter the Conditional MCO phase yesterday.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said 246 people were detained on Thursday for violating the SOP.

“Of the total, 234 were issued compounds, while 12 were remanded.

“The most compounded offence was failing to record patrons’ details (94), followed by not wearing face masks (55), not observing physical distancing (29), attempting to travel interstate without police approval (37), activities at entertainment centres (16), operating without permission or exceeding permitted hours (13) and others (two).”

He said 15,365 enforcement personnel, led by police, conducted 73,659 inspections nationwide.

“They checked 4,621 supermarkets, 6,335 restaurants, 2,900 hawker stalls, 2,488 markets, 3,972 banks, 1,803 factories and 1,117 government offices nationwide.”

They also checked 3,562 places of worship, 1,593 recreational spots and 1,372 land, 301 water and 126 air transport terminals.

Ismail Sabri said the police, armed forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Malaysian Border Security Agency and other security agencies mounted 447 roadblocks nationwide on Thursday under Op Benteng.

“Two vehicles were seized at the borders and nine illegal immigrants trying to trespass into the country were nabbed.”

He said 844 people returned to the country via international entry points and have been ordered to undergo compulsory quarantine at 78 hotels and 11 public training centres.

“Since July 24 last year, 136,978 people returned to Malaysia from more than 36 countries and all were screened for Covid-19 upon arrival. Of that, 872 were referred to hospitals for treatment.”

He said 128,373 people were tested and given clearance to enter the country.

He said the number of foreigners who have been screened for Covid-19 stood at 575,295 and they were registered to 30,112 employers in the country.

“The Human Resources Ministry recorded 7,516 more foreigners who were tested for Covid-19 yesterday (Thursday). Of all those tested, 9,138 came out positive.”

He said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry confirmed there were sufficient food and supplies, allaying fears of a food supply shortage.

Meanwhile, the Sri Jelutung Quarters in Chini, Pahang, will be placed under the Enhanced MCO from today until March 19.

“Up to March 3, 30 positive cases have been recorded and 150 close contacts identified for testing. The ministry confirmed there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in this locality, meaning the infectivity rate is high.

“The EMCO will allow the ministry to conduct targeted screening of residents and prevent further infection in the community.”

The EMCO in Jalan Telok Ira in Temerloh, Pahang, was lifted yesterday, a day earlier than its scheduled end.

“A total of 1,573 Covid-19 tests were carried out on residents in the affected area and only 94 were positive.”