Quarantine order violation: No more compound but go straight to court

That was stated by Senior Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob regarding those who disobeyed quarantine orders, including individuals who deliberately cut off quarantine wristbands to get out.

He said, the authorities' stern action against individuals linked to the start of the Sivagangga cluster, clearly showed that the government was serious and would not compromise anymore.

"There are parties who are supposed to undergo quarantine at home but go out to open a restaurant. As a result, some villages in Kedah and Perlis, had to be closed due to the negligence or failure of these individuals to comply with the rules or SOP.

"So I said anyone who is still in quarantine, wear this quarantine bracelet or wristband. If they go out on purpose, strict action will be taken and they will no longer be given a compound, but will be brought to court," he said in a daily press conference at the Parliament lobby here today.

Earlier today, the media reported that the owner of Nasi Kandar Salleh restaurant in Napoh town was sentenced to five months in jail and fined RM12,000.

Nezar Mohamed Sabur Batcha, 57, was found guilty of violating the order of supervision and observation during the mandatory quarantine period on July 14.

The accused pleaded guilty after the charge was read before Magistrate Mohd Hadi Hakimi Harun at the Alor Setar Hospital, today.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said, the police have arrested 184 individuals for defaulting the RMCO, and out of that number, 49 have been remanded while the remaining 135 compounded.

He said, among the RMCO offences included activities in pubs and nightclubs, activities involving the presence of the public that made it difficult for physical distancing, failure to wear face masks in crowded public places, and failure to pay quarantine costs.

The number of arrests, said Ismail Sabri, clearly showed that there were still many people who do not want to comply with the instructions issued.