EMCO in KL not surprising, say residents

THE enhanced movement control order has left residents in affected Kuala Lumpur neighbourhoods a little annoyed, but not that surprised.

Star Metro spoke to several residents of people's housing projects (PPR) in the city where the enhanced MCO will be imposed from July 3 to 16, with many saying they were informed verbally three days ago although they have seen nothing in black and white.

“Just today (Friday, July 2) I got a call from the police who wanted to see me about the enhanced MCO," said Flats Sri Sabah Residents Association chairman Zainal Abidin Abdul Wahab.

“My phone has been ringing non-stop with calls from residents who are panicking, and I have been trying my best to reassure everyone," he added.

When asked if he was aware of the reason why the flats were put under enhanced MCO, Zainal said: “We have had some Covid-19 cases here, but in my opinion, I think the residents have no one to blame but themselves."

“We try as the RA as best as we can to make sure that the strictest SOPs are put in place, like social distancing and wearing masks.

“But sometimes a simple act like getting into a crowded lift can trigger something. We are careful about it.

"Signs are placed outside lifts saying only five to six people are allowed in, but not everyone is following the rule. People will rush in and crowd the lifts," he said.

PPR Seri Semarak resident and Setiawangsa Sub Zone 6 chairman of the Federal Territories Residential Representative Council (MPPW) Abdul Rahman Mohamad said he received word about the impending enhanced MCO a few days earlier.

“We knew it was coming. The cases here are quite high but did not come from within," he said.

“Those who have to go out to work basically brought the virus into the residential area," he added.

On Thursday (July 1), Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the enhanced MCO will be imposed in most parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The order will affect 14 localities in Kuala Lumpur, eight of them highrises.