Don't take off wristband, those on compulsory quarantine warned

Those undergoing home-quarantine have been advised not to remove the COVID-19 wristband during the procedure.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the act of removing the wristband was considered a violation of quarantine rules and could face legal action.

"They are not allowed to cut the wristband during the mandatory quarantine period of 14 days and on the 13th day, those at home will undergo a screening test again.

"After being confirmed negative, they will then be released and the wristband removed," he told a media conference here on Thursday.

Ismail Sabri said a total of 255 individuals were being placed at the quarantine centre, pending the results of screening tests.

In another development, Ismail Sabri said the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) inspected a total of 162 construction sites on Wednesday.

A total of 24 construction sites, he said, were given a warning notice while two others were ordered to close immediately due to non-compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP).

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said 704 illegal immigrants and 125 skippers were detained in Operasi Benteng starting May 1.

He said the enforcement forces also arrested 12 suspected smugglers and 14 vessels at the border.

"The enforcement agency also managed to turn away 164 PATI, six skippers and 27 vessels while trying to cross the country's borders," he said.

The Operasi Benteng included the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATMs), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM).