Johor cops step up patrols and monitoring of houses during Raya

JOHOR BARU: Over 300 police mobile patrol vehicles (MPV) and motorcycle patrol units (URB) have been deployed across Johor to ensure the safety of people and their homes during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat (pic) said that apart from hotspots and accident-prone areas, the patrol units would also monitor houses left vacant while their occupants were out of town for the festivities.

"Since Hari Raya falls today (Monday, May 2) instead of Tuesday (May 3), many may have left their homes in a hurry to return to their hometowns.

"There could be possible carelessness due to the rush. As such, we will enhance monitoring, especially in residential areas, to keep the empty houses safe," he told the press at his Hari Raya open house here on Monday.

He noted that only 10% of the police contingent in Johor was on leave for Hari Raya while the rest, between 6,000 and 7,000 personnel, would be working throughout the festive season.

Comm Kamarul Zaman also advised the public to be careful on the road and continue to abide by road regulations.

"There was major traffic last night (Sunday, May 1) as people rushed to buy goods to prepare for Hari Raya or return to their hometowns.

"I would like to once again remind the public to be careful on the road. On Sunday night alone, at least five deaths were reported due to road accidents," he said.