MCO compliance at 97% but 482 arrests over March 26-27

PUTRAJAYA: While the movement control order (MCO) compliance rate has reached 97%, more than 400 people have been arrested in the past two days for flouting regulations, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Defence Minister said 320 people were arrested on Friday (March 27), while 162 were detained on Thursday (March 26).

"We believe sterner and firmer action by the police have contributed to the higher compliance to the MCO. However, the arrests show that there are still many out there who do not abide by the MCO," he told a special press conference on Saturday (March 28).

A total of 116 people were also discovered to have held Friday prayers despite the directive clearly stating that such an act was not allowed during the MCO, he added.

"Five mosques are also still hosting prayers and this should not be the way. We hope all Malaysians comply fully with the MCO," he said.

Action has also been taken against those who jog, even in gated communities, as the MCO applies to every Malaysian, he added.

"On Friday, the police conducted 1,046 roadblocks nationwide and checked 240,544 vehicles.

The high number of checks showed there are still many of those who are on the road during this MCO period.

"I was even sent videos of traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor," Ismail said.

He added that there were also certain parties that were taking advantage of the situation by scamming people, resulting in losses of RM3mil recently.

"As of March 25, the police have opened 393 investigation papers on scammers duping people online, be it on the purchase of face masks or other items.

"Scammers have even duped people on social media by claming that they can help withdraw the victim's EPF savings.

"We would advise people to only believe legitimate sources when purchasing or making any transaction," he said.

As of Friday (March 27), a total of 114 investigation papers on fake news have been opened by the police and relevant authorities, Ismail said.

"Don't believe unverified news or information, let alone spread it," he said.