More than 4,000 detained, 1,000 charged for violating MCO

There have been 4,189 arrests and 1,449 charges made for violating the movement control order (MCO), since it started on March 18.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, however, that the number of those detained by security forces have begun to decline.

On Monday, 742 people were detained, 583 on Tuesday, and 562 yesterday.

Of those charged, Ismail relayed that in one case, an 8-month jail sentence was dealt for not only violating the MCO, but also other offences including getting into a confrontation with the police who were manning roadblocks.

The maximum sentence for violating the MCO is six months jail, or a RM1,000 fine, or both.

Ismail said police will be taking a tougher stance against those not observing the order.

"Previously they were being strict, now they are in tough mode," he said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Meanwhile, Ismail reminded that starting tomorrow, all persons entering Malaysia from abroad either via, air, sea, or land, will be placed under mandatory quarantine.

He said there will be special taskforces at each quarantine centre to ensure the wellbeing of those being held.

Asked whether the MCO would be extended beyond April 14, Ismail said this will be decided by the Health Ministry.

However, he was optimistic that the number of Covid-19 infections will start to decline if the MCO is fully adhered to. - Mkini