POLICE will immediately compound shop owners who do not follow health standard operating procedures to curb the spread of Covid-19, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.

With more businesses reopening under the conditional movement-control order (CMCO), said the defence minister, cops will no longer issue warnings or advice.

“The government was informed by police that many store owners were found to not be following health SOPs. They were given advice and a warning to improve.

“However, today, the government decided to allow police to take action. No more warnings or advice for those who fail to abide by the rules,” Ismail Sabri, who is also National Security Council spokesman, told a daily press conference on Covid-19 security matters.

He said business owners face a compound, or a six-month jail term, or both, upon conviction.

“You can be fined RM1,000, or be jailed six months, or both, if found guilty.”

The CMCO, which sees restrictions eased to allow businesses to resume operations, took effect on May 4, and was to end today.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said it is extended till June 9.

Since restrictions were relaxed, he said, some 6.64 million people, or 43.6% of the country’s workforce, have returned to work.

“I expect the figure to go up in the coming weeks, which will add to households’ income, while those in business will be able to generate revenue.”

Certain outdoor exercises are also allowed under the CMCO. – May 12, 2020.