THREE million, or about 10%, of the population are not complying with the Covid-19 movement control order, said Armed Forces chief General Affendi Buang.

“This is a large figure and needs immediate action. Compliance is at about 90% but we cannot look past the 10% who are still defying the order,” he said in a statement today.

“The defence forces are focusing on high risk areas such as markets and supermarkets where consumers are still crowding together and not practicing social distancing

The armed forces began assisting the police in enforcing the order yesterday, the fifth day of two weeks of restricted movement in effect until March 31.

Affendi said 7,400 armed forces personnel have been deployed and are assisting police at 405 roadblocks as well as in conducting mobile patrols in 272 locations nationwide

He advised the public not to spread fake news about the armed forces so as not to cause panic.

Under the movement control order, people are not to leave their homes except to buy food and supplies and for medical emergencies. 

Trips to buy essential items should also be undertaken by only one person in the household.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday assured the public that the armed forces would not use force while helping the police and that their mandate to enforce the movement control order was under the Prevention of Infectious Diseases Act and not emergency law. – March 23, 2020.