‘People are not as alarmed’

 

Doing it right: Police checking on public compliance with the SOP in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: While most Malaysians complied with the first movement control order last March, this time around people have adopted a carefree approach that has not helped reduce the number of Covid-19 cases.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Rahim Jaafar said the police were concerned over the huge increase in the number of compounds issued to people who violated Covid-19 standard operating procedures in just the first three weeks of this year.

He said a total of 13,449 compounds were issued for various offences during the MCO as at Jan 27.

“This is a stark increase compared to last month when 9,899 compounds were issued to SOP violators.

“Those detained for such violations also increased from 527 in December to 594 so far this month, ” he told The Star.

The compliance operation task force teams, led by the police, have also been increased to ensure people adhere to the SOP, Comm Abd Rahim said.

“A total of 36,000 personnel have been deployed for compliance operations nationwide.

“The police have also set up 7,722 roadblocks nationwide this month, ” he said.

Comm Abd Rahim said while the police would respond to calls to increase enforcement efforts, he believes that the true problem lies with the attitude of the people.

While some have suggested that that police personnel go undercover or wear plain clothing to nab SOP flouters, Comm Abd Rahim said this was not feasible.

“When the public sees police personnel making their rounds while wearing the uniform, it will deter them from flouting the SOP.

“Wearing the uniform also gives police personnel accountability as they must always perform their duties with integrity, ” he added.

The police’s main objective is not to penalise or issue compounds but to ensure that people adhere to the SOP, Comm Abd Rahim said.

“Compounds are issued only in extreme cases, to those who stubbornly refuse to follow SOP such as wearing face masks.

“However, the public must realise that the only way to curb the spread of the virus is to follow the SOP, ” he said.

He added that the majority of the people were really scared during the first MCO, which led to strict compliance.

“In this second MCO, some of the people are less alarmed.

“This should not be the way. Help our frontliners combat the spread of the Covid-19 by playing your part. Adhere to the SOP, ” Comm Abd Rahim stressed.

Asked on the large number of vehicles on the road during the second MCO, Comm Abd Rahim said it is due to the government’s decision to allow the five economic sectors to operate.

“It involves a huge number of workers thus the large number of vehicles on the road compared with the first MCO where there were hardly any vehicles.

“The first MCO could be described as a total lockdown but this current MCO is an ‘adjustment lockdown’ where certain sectors and activities are permitted, ” he added. - Star