Cops arrest man who goes out to buy food four times a day

CORONAVIRUS | An individual claiming to leave the house to buy food was among the individuals arrested for defying the movement control order, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The order enforced still allows one person from one household to go out and buy food, but Ismail revealed that the individual was arrested for doing so multiple times in just one day.

"The person says going out to buy food but doing it four times a day.

"The same person, until the police can recognise the face. Go out in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, at night, using the excuse to buy food," said Ismail.

"So police suspect that it is not genuinely about going out to buy food but just wanting to be outside [...]," he added.

Ismail revealed that the individual was just one example from 649 arrests made yesterday on Day 10 of the order.

Overall, he said the police and army conducted 997 roadblocks and checked 301,938 vehicles.

Aside from motorists, Ismail said 3,223 premises were checked, of which an undisclosed figure was ordered to close as their operations do not fall under the category of essential services.

In terms of food supply, Ismail said the International Trade and Industries Ministry taskforce's survey of 27 hypermarkets have found that supplies of basic food items are easily accessible.

"But one thing I would like to stress, when we (the government) say the supply of rice is enough, it is referring to rice (as a whole) and not a particular brand.

"Maybe for some people their favourite is rice from Brand A. If that is not available, it does not mean there is a shortage in supply of rice," he noted.

Ismail also reiterated his call for NGOs to channel aid via their nearest Social Welfare Department office, in line with the Health Ministry's advisory to protect the safety of the groups.

Noting that there have been widespread objections from NGOs, Ismail said the government is willing to discuss ways to improve existing procedures, although it would not be possible to hold a physical meeting with the groups. - Mkini