Roadblocks to be set up at Penang borders to avoid interstate travel during Raya

GEORGE TOWN: Roadblocks will be set up at Penang borders to prevent unauthorised interstate travels during the festive season.

Penang police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan said a total of 15 roadblocks will be mounted during the upcoming Hari Raya celebration.

He added that the police would carry out checks during this Raya to prevent people from unnecessary interstate travels.

“The leave of all policemen has been frozen.

"With the increase of Covid-19 cases, we have to keep the situation in check.

“The strict checks are to prevent outsiders from bringing the virus into the state," he said.

The first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on May 13.

Penang remains under the conditional movement control order.

Comm Sahabudin said police would not go house-to-house to check on the compliance of the standard operating procedure (SOP) during the festive season.

"Instead, the district police chiefs will decide where to go and what to check based on information we receive," he added.

On Tuesday (May 4), Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said visiting would only be allowed on the first day of Raya in areas under the MCO.

He also said that Raya visiting in areas under the conditional MCO and recovery MCO could be done during the first three days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, with a maximum of 20 and 25 visitors at a time, respectively.

Those living in localities placed under the enhanced MCO are not allowed to receive guests, while open houses are forbidden throughout the country.