MALAYSIANS who managed to return to their hometowns for Hari Raya without police permission will have action taken against them if they are caught when they return, senior minister (security) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

Just because they were able to travel interstate without permission, there is no guarantee that police will not act against them, he said.

Civil servants also have no choice but to return as the Public Services Department has said those who don’t return to work will face disciplinary action 

“If they dared to do it (travel without police permission), then they have to be brave to face the consequences,” the defence minister and National Security Council spokesman said at the daily briefing on Covid-19 security matters in Putrajaya today.

Ismail Sabri said if they get caught coming back then they will have to pay the compound. 

“We are not stopping them from returning. In fact we are encouraging them to return because they have to work. 

“If they are scared of being fined and do not return, then they will end up losing their jobs.”

He said it is better to pay the fine and keep their jobs. 

“We are not sure of the actions, but we leave it up to the police as we will continue to have roadblocks all around the country.

“We hope that they will return. The worst is they will get a fine.”

Yesterday, police issued compounds to 387 individuals for various offenses under the CMCO. 

Out of the 102 compounds issued by the police, 31 were for visiting homes during Hari Raya. A total of 285 compounds were issued in the field, and 194 were at the roadblocks. – May 26, 2020.