MCO: Police firmness to protect people - Home Minister

The firmness shown by the police in implementing the Movement Control Order (MCO) is to protect the people from the spread of COVID-19, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

He said police personnel would use their discretion when carrying out their duties and stern action would only be taken against those who fail to comply with the MCO even after advice was given.

Hamzah said the support given by the people in the country for the police to act firmly against those who flouted the MCO was appreciated especially in the case where a police officer in Kunak, Sabah, was videotaped whipping a group of teenagers for violating the MCO.

"The officer has been with the Royal Malaysia Police for 15 years and he is good and strict. But when this happens, of course, following the SOP (standard operating procedure), we will conduct an internal investigation," he told a press conference at Melaka Police Contingent headquarters in Bukit Beruang here today.

Earlier, he observed the implementation of MCO and COVID-19 Preventive Operations at several locations in the state including Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza, Sungai Putat, Stadthuys building and Melaka Police Contingent headquarters.

-- BERNAMA