65 including patrons of entertainment centres arrested - Ismail Sabri

Police arrested 65 people including patrons of entertainment centres for violating the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) on the 19th day of its implementation.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said out of the total, 36 people were remanded and 29 others compounded.

"The PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) detained 65 individuals for violating the RMCO. This is proof of what I have mentioned (previously) that the authorities is continuing to monitor compliance with the RMCO standard operating procedures (SOP).

"Among the prohibited activities that violate the SOP include events and sports competitions, karaoke and entertainment centres, as well as online gambling activities," he said at a press conference here on Monday.

In addition, 3,891 supermarkets, 5,299 restaurants as well as 1,940 hawkers, 921 factories, and 1,670 public or farmers markets were examined.

He said 3,729 places of worship and 1,467 places of recreation were also inspected.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the Operasi Benteng involving the PDRM, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM) were controlling the border tightly.

"From May 1 until yesterday, a total of 1,115 PATI (illegal immigrants) and 204 skippers have been arrested for trying to enter the country illegally, especially through rat trails.

"Also detained were 76 individuals suspected of smuggling and 36 vessels," he said.

He said the PDRM had also conducted 68 roadblocks in Operasi Benteng and inspected 43,207 vehicles to curb PATI entry.

"PDRM has successfully detained five foreigners at roadblocks for immigration offences.

"The government will take stern action against any party trying to enter the country illegally and will not compromise with those involved in the smuggling of PATI," he added.