IGP: Dwindling crowds at public places a positive sign

KUALA LUMPUR: The act of going out without any valid reason seems to be on a downward trend, with public places nationwide showing a reduction in crowds by half over the weekend.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani (pic) said this was a positive development and hoped the public could continue to give such cooperation towards curbing the spread of Covid-19.

“The key to preventing oneself from being infected with Covid-19 is self discipline.

“The enforcement efforts by the authorities in curbing the spread of the virus will not succeed if (larger) society is still not complying with the standard operating procedure seriously.

“However, I am heartened by reports from state police chiefs nationwide that the crowds in popular public spots have lessened by around 40% to 60% last weekend.

“For this, I salute the dedication of the public, ” he said yesterday.

The nation’s top cop said such sacrifice from the public was appreciated but he added that they must remain vigilant and always look to increase their level of compliance.

“However, there are still certain individuals who still go out just to cure their boredom. It is as if they are not afraid of contracting the disease, ” Acryl Sani added.

The IGP said he also received information that certain business centres and sundry shops in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were still patronised by those without urgent matters.

“When asked by compliance operation personnel, they said they went out to buy trivial items such as mineral water or candies.

“We need the cooperation of the public more than ever in stopping the spread of the virus, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur police said there would not be any new roadblocks other than the existing 13 roadblocks in the city but stringent checks would be done following the tightening of SOP starting today.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said four roadblocks in Putrajaya and nine in the city had been set up since the start of movement control order 3.0.

“We will not add more roadblocks for now but those manning the roadblocks have been instructed to perform stringent checks, ” he told a press conference at the Dang Wangi police headquarters yesterday.

Meanwhile, on the two areas in Kuala Lumpur placed under the enhanced MCO – Kampung Limau People’s Housing Project in Lembah Pantai and Kampung Batu Muda Tambahan, Comm Azmi said the police would assist Health Ministry personnel to boost security in the areas.

“We will also assist the Welfare Department in distributing food and other essential items for the residents.

“We hope the people in Kuala Lumpur will comply with the SOP so that the spread of Covid-19 can be curbed, ” he added.

Last Saturday, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the tightening of SOP for MCO 3.0 following a spike in Covid-19 cases.