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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian armed forces officers and personnel now have the power to arrest and take action against those found to be violating the movement control order, Security Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.
He said that the Emergency Ordinance grants similar authority to the police and military, which would aid efforts to better manage the Covid-19 crisis.
“If before the armed forces could only act if there was a border intrusion, now they can detain suspects so that they take additional measures without the presence of the police,” he said in his daily press conference.
He said the new measure will be in effect for the duration of the state of emergency, which is scheduled to be lifted on August 1 or when the Covid-19 crisis has subsided.
Instant fines for travel violators starting January 15
Ismail said police will crack down on those who cross state lines, especially in MCO areas, starting Saturday. Compound fines will be issued on the field for violating the order.
“During the three days until tomorrow (January 15), we (the government) are still in a ‘state of mind’ to advise and no action will be taken. But the day after tomorrow, the police will no longer commit, ”he said.
He said states under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) and recovery MCO could enforce full MCO restrictions if the Ministry of Health discovers a drastic increase in Covid-19 cases.
