198 nabbed for flouting RMCO

Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob says police arrested 198 people yesterday for disobeying the recovery movement control order (RMCO).

He said police also issued compounds to 184 people, nine of whom were remanded and five released on bail.

Most of the offences (109) were linked to activities at nightclubs and activities which made physical distancing difficult (41).

Other offences included failing to provide equipment or entry and exit records (25), not wearing face masks (17) and failing to comply with quarantine (one).

“Two were suspected of carrying out prostitution, while the other three offences were individuals operating premises without a permit,” he said in a statement today.

He said police set up 63 roadblocks nationwide and inspected 23,368 vehicles. An illegal immigrant was detained in the operation for immigration offences.

From May 1 until yesterday, 4,889 illegal immigrants, 713 skippers and 246 smugglers were detained.

In addition, 446 boats and 481 vehicles involved in attempts to illegally cross the country’s borders were seized.

“The government will take stern action against anyone who tries to enter the country’s borders illegally, and enforcement agencies will continue to tighten border control, especially along rat lanes,” he said.

A total of 22,057 individuals had returned through the country’s international border gates since July 24. They were housed at 71 hotels and four public training institutes.

Of the total, 9,481 are undergoing compulsory quarantine while 66 have been sent to hospital for treatment. Another 12,510 have been discharged and allowed to return home.