Sneaking to balik kampung, 508 vehicles told to turn back

There have been attempts by some people to undermine the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) by trying to sneak their way to ‘balik kampung’, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail Sabri, who is also the Defence Minister, said police had inspected 238,500 vehicles at 146 interstate road blocks, and 508 motorists had been ordered to turn back after they were found to try to sneak their way to their hometowns.

Due to poor compliance, Ismail Sabri said the government had decided to allow the authorities to issue compounds directly to those who had committed such an offence.

“Last night alone, 508 vehicles were trying to cross the state border with the intention of returning to the village and they were asked to turn back. So, let me remind you, the roadblocks have begun and action has been taken.

"Since yesterday, the authorities were still using discretion such as giving warnings and advice. But today's meeting ruled that the police can start issuing compounds.

“So, I hope it doesn't have to be a compound. That money can be used for something else,” he said at a press conference here today.

In a separate development, Ismail Sabri said 72 individuals were arrested for violating the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the CMCO.

Of the total, 60 individuals were remanded while another 12 released on police bail.

In addition, he said the Compliance Operations Task Force inspected 33,168 private vehicles, 2,335 public vehicles and 28 water vehicles. Also inspected, he said, were 2,621 public markets, 4,209 places of worship, 1,366 leisure places and 365 construction sites.

“A total of 3,332 Compliance teams have been monitoring and involving 18,770 members. The authorities will take legal action against anyone found to be in violation of the SOP,” he added.