Cops, army to come ‘visiting’

KUALA LUMPUR: Don’t be surprised if your home is visited by the police and Armed Forces’ compliance monitoring team ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

This will be one of the measures taken by authorities to track down those suspected of unauthorised interstate balik kampung travel to celebrate with their families.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador (pic) said the police were taking the enforcement of the interstate travel ban, especially for the purpose of celebrating Hari Raya, seriously.

“Aside from conducting roadblocks, the police will check housing areas and villages nationwide to track down those who have flouted the conditional movement control order (MCO), ” he said when contacted on Monday.

The police will also check on vehicles which did not have the necessary permits to travel interstate, he added.

“The police have the record of permits issued to individuals and their vehicles for interstate travel, ” the IGP said.

Unauthorised interstate travel will be investigated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Police Act 1967.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob urged the people not to travel interstate during festive celebrations.

He also reminded the people that those who managed to sneak past roadblocks to “balik kampung” will not be able to evade the authorities on their return trip home.

In Nibong Tebal, LO TERN CHERN reports that Penang police will tighten the security at the state borders to maintain its green state status.

This includes setting up roadblocks at all entry points and deploying over 140 patrol teams, said state police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan.

“We currently have 18 roadblocks at the border to check entries and one at the Juru toll plaza which is manned by the traffic police from Bukit Aman.

“The enforcement ensures only those with approval from the police are allowed to travel into Penang.

“With the state being a green zone, we will not simply allow entry from other zones without valid permit, ” he told reporters after a check at the Jawi toll plaza yesterday with the newly appointed South Seberang Prai OCPD Supt Lee Chong Chern.

Comm Sahabudin told motorists not to waste their time because apart from being ordered to turn back, they might also be slapped with RM1,000 compound for making unauthorised interstate travels.

“Even if they manage to sneak into Penang, we have over 142 teams making patrols around the state, ” he added.

He said since May 4, Penang police has approved a total of 8,386 interstate travel permits.

“On Monday alone, we approved 1,210 applications but 308 vehicles were ordered to turn back at the roadblocks and nine compounds were issued.

“Some had no valid reason while few were trying to return for Hari Raya.

“Permits are given only to those with reasons such as visiting their spouses weekly or travelling for work, ” he said.