IGP: Still going out for no reason? Be prepared to be arrested

PETALING JAYA: Action will be taken against those who insist on leaving their home for no good reason during the movement control order (MCO) period, says the Inspector-General of Police.

Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador on Wednesday (MArch 25) said authorities had been given the green light to ensure increased compliance with the order aimed at minimising the spread of Covid-19.

"About 110 people have been arrested in the past seven days for flouting the MCO," he said in an interview on Selamat Pagi Malaysia.

He said those arrested weren't only being rebellious against the MCO, but had also threatened and cursed at authorities enforcing the order.

"To those who think they are invincible to the disease and want to act tough, don't be surprised if you are arrested. And please be prepared to spend a few nights in police lock-up," he said.

He also warned unscrupulous businesses trying to make a quick buck from the rising anxiety due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said police had opened about 370 investigation papers on cheating cases and had made 25 arrests, with 11 already charged in court.

"These unscrupulous businesses have cost victims close to RM3mil in losses. Rest assured, teams at the Commercial Crimes Investigations Department are looking into these cases seriously," he said.

In his interview during the morning talk show on RTM's TV1, Hamid reminded Malaysians to not discriminate against participants of the tabligh gathering at the Seri Petaling Mosque.

"The organisers have been very cooperative in getting participants to come forward and about 95% of them have done so," he said.

He added the health ministry had also provided police with a list of tabligh participants who had been checked for Covid-19 and this would help police in identifying those who have yet to come forward.

Hamid also took the opportunity to extend Police Day greetings to teams working on the ground enforcing the order in conjunction with the 213rd Police Day, which falls on Wednesday.

He revealed that about 42,000 personnel were involved in enforcing the order at roadblocks, as well as attend to other crime-busting duties.