IGP: Inter-state travellers must notify nearest police station
CORONAVIRUS | The public must notify the nearest police station for inter-state travelling during the control movement order which comes into effect at the stroke of midnight, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said today.
However, the requirement was rescinded just hours later."Our role is to control the movement of the people from one state to another. This exercise is required because we are confident in containing the virus outbreak...
CORONAVIRUS | The public must notify the nearest police station for inter-state travelling during the control movement order which comes into effect at the stroke of midnight, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said today.
However, the requirement was rescinded just hours later.
"Our role is to control the movement of the people from one state to another. This exercise is required because we are confident in containing the virus outbreak.
"When there's a need for them to travel, for instance, to Perlis, Sabah or Sarawak, they must visit the nearest police station.
"The officers will interview them and give them exemption letters which say that they have given their reasons to travel," he said in a press conference earlier.
Hamid said this will also apply to those using public transport and air travel.
For those who travel for work under the category of "essential service", they are not required to notify the police but must bring their work pass, he added.
While government and private premises are expected to be closed for two weeks starting tomorrow, companies providing essential services will operate as usual.
They include those who are involved in water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal services, transport, maritime, fuel, gas, lubricants, broadcast, financial services, banking, healthcare, pharmacies, fire and rescue, prisons, ports, airports, security, defence, cleaning and supplying of food.
Curfew if order broken
Abdul Hamid said at the moment, the police's approach is to encourage the public to understand that they need to increase awareness on the current situation and adhere to the order.
"The document (the letter) is necessary so we can monitor.
"It's not that we want to burden them but it's to minimise travel. Otherwise, the objective of the order will not be achieved.
"We want to reduce the number of people going out and lessen the risk.
Abdul Hamid added that at the moment, police will not take action against those who don't adhere to the order but they will take a drastic measure if necessary.
"At the preliminary stage, if they don't notify, there will be no punishment because we emphasise on giving advice and explanation to the public.
"If they want to lie, they could do so but this will only bring inconvenience to themselves, which would consequently cause the next phase which is curfew.
"If we see that they are still stubborn, we will take a drastic action in accordance with the law (under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988)," he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid said that seven senior officers, 34 rank-and-file officers, two civilian staff and 11 of their family members are currently under quarantine.
While one senior officer, eight rank-and-file officers, and one civilian staff tested negative for Covid-19.
Track Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia here.
