Movement Control Order: Army will be mobilised if compliance level unsatisfactory

The government may resort to mobilise the army to ensure the people’s compliance with the Movement Control Order, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail Sabri, who is also Senior Minister, said only 60 percent of Malaysians obeyed the order on its first day of implementation on Wednesday.

"If the situation remains out of control, most likely the army will be mobilised.

"I believe there is no such necessity for now. But if we have no other choice – the level of compliance remains at 60 to 70 per cent - I believe most likely the army will be used," he told a special media conference today.

Ismail Sabri said to ensure that the people obey the directives of the Movement Control Order, the police has been carrying out roadblocks throughout the country on the first day of the order.

He explained that 504 roadblocks were conducted where 6,135 vehicles were inspected on Wednesday to ensure the people complied with the directives.

"To this day, the police have taken prudent action only by advising the public. I believe that if the compliance has not improved, the police will have to apply the law and take more stringent actions.

"(However) I do not think this is necessary if compliance improves from time to time," he added.