Complete 13th day COVID-19 screening within next two days to avoid arrest - Ismail Sabri

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said if they fail to take the tests within the next two days, they will be arrested, placed under remand and prosecuted.

“No more compromise, warnings and advice as they can endanger others. If they remain stubborn, then by Monday, the police will arrest them… no compound notices, straight to court,” he said at the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) media briefing held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.

Ismail Sabri said this decision was reached at the special ministerial meeting on the MCO at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya earlier today.

“The government views this matter seriously, and as seen from previous cases, there were those (under home quarantine) who tested positive on the 13th day. We are afraid they will cut off the (quarantine) wristbands themselves. We want to remind them that we have their names and addresses,” he cautioned.

He said some 9,600 individuals are still under home quarantine at the moment.

“Health Ministry (MOH) officials and the police will be conducting spot checks to ensure everyone involved are complying with standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said.

Ismail Sabri said these individuals can contact the nearest district health office to take the second screening, adding that MOH officials can also make home visits.