THEY work on eight-hour shifts daily under the scorching sun and sometimes through thunderstorms in efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.

These are not doctors and health workers but policemen and soldiers who risk infections and other dangers like being run down by errant motorists at roadblocks.

To date, 66 police personnel have been confirmed positive for Covid-19 with another 1,225 personnel and their families in quarantine as of April 7.

Armed with only gloves and a mask, these officers have been at it for almost a month, with no clear indication yet when this extra duty will end.

If that is not bad enough, at least three police officers have also been injured after they were run down at roadblocks by errant motorists and assaulted by those trying to escape attention after breaching the movement-control order (MCO).

The Malaysian Insight spoke to several policemen manning roadblocks on the obstacles they face. Only policemen were interviewed as soldiers are not allowed to speak to the media.

The policemen also said they are worried about their families at home, not knowing if they were okay, or worrying that they would bring back the virus to their loved ones.

A lance corporal, who did not want to be named, said this was his greatest concern after a shift and going home daily.

“There are already many families of policemen in quarantine and I keep wondering if my family will be next,” said the father of four, who was manning a roadblock at the Grand Sepadu toll plaza in Shah Alam, Selangor.

“Every day, we stop hundreds of motorists and although we take safety precautions ourselves, you just don’t know with this virus.”

In the first two weeks, there was a shortage of masks and gloves for roadblock personnel. Some had to reuse their masks and gloves while waiting for fresh supplies from China.

But that problem seems to be over for now.

Klang Utara district police chief Nurulhuda Mohd Salleh said the supply of face masks and gloves is enough for the time being, adding that many organisations have donated these items to the police in her district.

“We are really thankful to concern citizens. We appreciate their help very much,” she said.

Inspector Jasmin Isa from the logistics and technology department in Seberang Perai Utara in Penang, said the same.

“As the logistics chief here, all equipment is enough. In the beginning, yes, there were concerns that the stock was not enough,” said Jasmin.

“Several personnel bought these items on their own and we had to be careful about using them. We did not want out stock to run out soon. However, it is enough now.”

A corporal told The Malaysian Insight many motorists have also dropped off masks, gloves and even food at roadblocks.

“When we were facing a lack of supplies, ordinary people donated at roadblocks.

“I can say Malaysians are generous and kind. We get food and drinks as well from the public.

“I will remember this forever. Despite the pandemic and unruly behaviour of some people, others are just kind and generous,” the corporal added.

Daily dangers

“The weather is an obstacle,” said a corporal manning a roadblock in Shah Alam, Selangor.

“The sun is unbearably hot in the day and if it rains in the evening, it will be very heavy.”

His colleague, a lance corporal, said he prefers to be under the sun.

“Lightning, thunder as well as strong winds are far worse than the heat. Every time there is a flash of lightning, officers would say a prayer even if we are under the tent,” said the 27-year-old.

Last week, a police officer from Serdang in Selangor suffered a broken nose and sustained head injuries after a tent set up at a roadblock collapsed during a storm.

Police and army personnel are exposed to other forms of danger while manning the roadblocks, especially at night.

“At night, although there are fewer cars, we need to be extra careful. Some motorists, especially motorcycles, don’t stop for inspection and speed off,” said another lance corporal.

“If we’re not careful, we might get hit. There have been reports of police officers being mowed down by drivers who refuse to stop at checkpoints.”

A man was detained recently after he and his two friends rammed their car into a police roadblock at Km13.2 of the Middle Ring Road 2 in Batu Caves, Selangor. A police officer was slightly injured in the incident.

Last week, Petaling Jaya police detained a drunk driver for refusing to stop at a roadblock in Damansara. The man rammed through the roadblock after he was asked to stop for inspection.

On Sunday, a foreigner punched a police officer at a roadblock in Precinct 14, Putrajaya. The policeman stopped the Indonesian and when questioned, the foreigner landed a few blows on the policeman’s face before he was apprehended.

Rude motorists

Inspector Mohd Al Rassid Mohd Borhanudin, manning roadblocks at the Federal Highway, could write a book on the number of lame excuses offered by those breaking the MCO.

Rassid told The Malaysian Insight although the compliance rate has now improved, there are still lame excuses, such as buying food for girlfriend, going to office to pick up things, buying medicine for parents but with no prescription and more.

“Overall people are starting to comply but a small percentage are still stubborn.

“In every 20 cars, there will be one driver who will give you a lame excuse.

“Some breach the 10km radius by just driving all the way from Sg Way to the Midvalley Megamall near Bangsar to buy groceries,” he said.

PJ traffic investigation and enforcement officer, Mohd Khomeini Bahar, said dealing with rude drivers can be testing for policemen and soldiers on eight-hour shifts.

“In one incident, I questioned a driver why he did not have an authorisation from his company.

“The driver shot back, asking if he needed to get the signature of the Agong.

“Provocation and this sort of behaviour should be avoided. We are trying to make it easy for everyone, working day and night to make sure the public is safe,” said Khomeini.

Roadblocks during the MCO are different from the normal anti-crime checks, he said.

Senior traffic officer, Radzali Mohamed said every officer must exercise restraint and patience when caught in such a situation.

“We will face all sorts of behaviour and when we start arguing, it will be difficult for all of us. It is stressful but I will remind them that there is no need to argue.”

As of Sunday, a total of 8,647 individuals have been arrested with 3,105 fined, 503 remanded while 51 have been charged with violating the MCO which was enforced on March 18.

The MCO was enforced to break the chain of Covid-19 infections, which until yesterday reached 4,817 cases with 77 deaths. Phase III of the MCO ends on April 28. – April 14, 2020.