Stern action awaits those who try to 'balik kampung' for Raya, says Ismail Sabri

PETALING JAYA: Stern action will be taken against anyone who flouts the conditional movement control order (MCO), including those who attempt to travel inter-state to return to their hometowns, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister said police had been using a "soft approach" by advising and giving warnings but will now issue compound notices to offenders.

“Although we have told the people not to balik kampung for the Hari Raya celebrations, it is still happening.

“I want to remind everyone that the roadblocks have started and action will be taken.A meeting today decided that the police can start issuing compound notices on those who defy the standard operating procedures (SOP), ” he said in his daily briefing Saturday (May 16).

As of Friday night (May 15), he said 508 cars tried to cross state lines for various reasons and were told to turn back.

“There were 146 inter-state roadblocks nationwide with 238,500 vehicles inspected, ” he said, adding that 72 people have been arrested for flouting the conditional MCO.

"Sixty of them have been remanded and 12 were released on police bail, ” he added.

On Friday, he said the multi-agency task force on compliance conducted 73,116 inspections nationwide, including 13,349 premises, 1,463 public transport terminals, 33,168 private vehicles and 2,335 public transport vehicles.

“Others included wet markets, houses of worship, recreational areas and construction sites, ” he said, adding that a total of 3,332 teams with 18,770 enforcers were involved.