AUTHORITIES will ramp up enforcement against those who defy the movement control order (MCO), said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri today, a day after 110 people have been arrested for flouting the stay-at-home directive.

He said the public has been urging the government to be strict during this period.

“Yesterday, we made 110 arrests, police have inspected 163,467 cars and mounted 23 roadblocks at major highways. Police may change their approach from giving advice to using stern action against those who refuse to follow the rules,” he said during his daily press conference today.

However, he did not say what would enhanced enforcement action entail.

“I also received many suggestions from the public who want stern enforcement. We do not want because of 5% of people (who disobey rules) the 95% pay the price,” said Ismail Sabri.

Ismail Sabri said that he will chair a meeting tonight with Inspector General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador along with Chief of Defence Force General Affendi Buang and National Security Council on a new standard operating procedure.

“We will come up with a decision on how to be more stern in our action. I will chair a meeting tonight. On Saturday, the NSC will table the new SOP.”.

Hamid in an interview with RTM yesterday gave a stern warning to those defying the control order.

“For those who think they are invincible or cannot be affected by this disease, or they just want to portray themselves as a gangster or thug hanging around in public places. 

“Don’t be surprised when you are arrested, handcuffed, and then brought to the police lockup, because it has been done; don’t be surprised or get upset if you ending staying in the lockup for three to four nights,” he warned. – March 26, 2020.