Police detain over 400 for violating MCO, including prayer group

CORONAVIRUS | Police have detained more than 400 people in two days for violating the movement control order (MCO) aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri, who is also the senior minister coordinating security matters in the government, said this includes 116 people who tried to hold a prayer gathering.

"Yesterday, police detained 320 people and the day before, there were 162 arrests. There were more than 400 arrests in two days. They have contributed to the improved compliance rate," he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

He said the compliance rate had increased to 97 percent.

Ismail also urged people to comply with the instruction issued by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of religion Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri for prayer gatherings to be suspended.

"Yesterday, at a particular district, there was still Friday prayer even though there was an instruction for it to be stopped in favour of solat zohor at home.

"As a result, 116 people were detained by police. Five other mosques still held prayer gatherings," he said.

Ismail said social distancing was not possible during such prayer gatherings and urged people to prioritise safety.

Likewise, Ismail said those living in gated communities are also still flouting the MCO and stressed such areas are not exempted from the order.

"The MCO encompasses all including those in gated communities. Yesterday, there were cases where people in gated communities went against the MCO by jogging in groups and taking part in other activities.

"Action was taken against them and I hope it won't happen again," he said.

He said police had set up more 1,000 roadblocks and checked almost 25,000 vehicles, adding many of those do not comply with the MCO conditions.

According to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease (Measures Within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020, no person shall make any journey from one place to another place except to:

1) Perform any official duty.

2) To make a journey to and from any premises providing essential services.

3) To purchase, supply or deliver food or daily necessities.

4) To seek healthcare or medical services.

5) Any other special purposes as may be permitted by the director-general.

The MCO came into effect on March 18 and was to end on March 31, but has been extended to April 14.

Under the MCO, non-essential businesses and services are ordered closed and people are discouraged from leaving home except for pressing reasons such as to restock on food supplies. -- Mkini