Kg Sungai Penchala folk stay calm despite feeling anxious over EMCO

Food aid: A Welfare Department employee (in orange vest) carrying a bag of groceries to be distributed to Kampung Sungai Penchala residents who are under enhanced MCO until June 23. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

WHILE residents of Kampung Sungai Penchala in Kuala Lumpur have expressed anxiety at seeing the barbed wires surrounding their neighbourhood, most have stayed calm.

Kampung Sungai Penchala Residents Association chairman Shohaimy Saad, 61, said the villagers were deeply worried upon seeing the barbed wires being set up on Thursday.

“Some are anxious after seeing the many police and armed forces personnel who are patrolling the area on foot.

“We have told the residents to remain calm,” he said.

According to Shohaimy, there are 72 houses in total over the three affected streets — Jalan Sungai Penchala 9, 11 and 12.

The temporary fences have been stretched out along the three roads after the area was put under enhanced movement control order.

On June 8, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Kampung Sungai Penchala would be placed under enhanced MCO as there were 65 new positive Covid-19 cases recorded in the area over the past two weeks.

In his press statement, Ismail said the decision to impose the enhanced order was taken following a risk assessment conducted by several agencies under a technical committee and on the advice of Health Ministry.

The enhanced MCO takes effect from June 10 to 23.

Shohaimy, a businessman, said 10 white tents were put up around the area for the armed forces, police, Civil Defence Forces, Welfare Department and the Fire and Rescue Services Department personnel.

“Most of the people living here are senior citizens.

“I am told that the barbed wire measure is reflective of the gravity of the situation.

“Outsiders are not allowed in and those in the 72 houses are not allowed to leave this area,” he said.He further said that Welfare Department staff had distributed groceries, consisting of mostly dry foodstuff, to all the households in Kampung Sungai Penchala.

“Our association has formed an action committee to care for the well-being of the residents,” added Shohaimy.