Police station instead of courtroom

Remand proceedings moved to reduce risk of spreading Covid-19

KUALA LUMPUR: All remand proceedings will be held at police stations nationwide throughout the movement control order (MCO) period in an effort to minimise movement of suspects and reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

This means magistrates and deputy registrars who are empowered to sign remand orders will be going to the police stations to facilitate the process.

Remand processes are usually held at the Magistrate’s Court.

A statement issued by the Chief

Registrar’s Office yesterday said Chief Justice Tan Sri Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat agreed to a request by the police to move remand proceedings to the stations instead of the courtrooms.

The judiciary, however, said the police must meet several conditions – inform the courts about remand applications early; ensure the safety of court officers, staff and lawyers; ensure the suspects’ right to counsel is not denied; and abide by the Covid-19 management guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.

Court complexes nationwide have been closed to the public in adherence to the MCO, with the exception of opening courtrooms to accommodate new charging.

In another development, a total of 194 people, including 127 Malaysians, have been arrested in Kuala Lumpur since the start of the first phase of the MCO.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said 105 investigation papers were opened in connection with the arrests.

“Those arrested – 127 Malaysians and 67 foreigners aged between 18 and 86 – were found to have violated the MCO.

“From those, 64 people have been prosecuted in courts,” he said in a statement yesterday.

For the second phase of the MCO from April 1 until April 14, a total of 4,368 personnel from the police, Armed Forces and other enforcement agencies had been deployed to conduct 56 roadblocks around KL and Putrajaya as well as perform checks, he added.

“Stern action will be taken against those who violate the MCO. Our goal has always been to break the chain of infection.”

Crime in the city has also declined by 57.4% since the start of the MCO.

“Violent crime is down 62.8% while property crime showed a 55.5% drop. The stark drop in crime is due to the roadblocks as well as more patrols,” he said.

Comm Mazlan advised the public to be more responsible when spreading information on social media and other platforms.

Those with questions or information can contact the KL police hotline at 03-2115 9999, KL CID ops centre at 03-2146 0670 or the nearest police station.