Comply with Covid-19 SOPs while celebrating Thaipusam, Deputy IGP reminds M'sians

JOHOR BARU: The police have reminded those celebrating Thaipusam to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) and safety guidelines that have been set by the Health Ministry.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Razarudin Husain (pic) said the police were ready to help and assist the government and members of the public in ensuring the safety of those who are celebrating.

"The Health Ministry has issued SOPs in line with Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and the police are ready to ensure that this is followed, aside from ensuring the safety and wellness of devotees celebrating Thaipusam.

"This is not the first time we are ensuring the safety of the Thaipusam celebration. Even before the SOPs were introduced, we have been ensuring the safety and security of the people, aside from ensuring that there are no criminal activities involved," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after the handing over ceremony for the post of Johor police chief at the state police headquarters here on Sunday (Jan 16).

He added that any violations of the SOPs will be met with stern action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342).

Razarudin also said the decision on how many personnel to deploy to the ground will be decided by the respective state police chiefs and not Bukit Aman.

"Bukit Aman will not decide the number of people (to be sent) but the number will depend on the size of the event," he said, adding that he will leave it to the state police chief's discretion.

Meanwhile, on the programme, Razarudin was confident that new Johor police chief, Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat, will continue the legacy of success of the state police.

Earlier, Kamarul Zaman, in his welcoming speech, said he hoped that none of the police officers and personnel would become "traitors" to the police force.

"Let us continue to uphold integrity, and do our work sincerely and responsibly.

"The post carries a huge responsibility, and I would not be able to carry it alone. That is why I will need full support from each and every police officer and personnel in the state so that we can continue our success," he said.

Kamarul Zaman, 58, was appointed Johor police chief to replace Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who now heads the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department.

Kamarul Zaman, who is from Tanah Merah in Kelantan, joined the force in 1988 and has held various positions such as Klang OCPD in Selangor, Johor Crime Investigation Department (CID) chief, Bukit Aman Narcotics CID (Forfeiture of Property/Legal/Detention) director, and Kedah police chief.