MOST Malaysians want Putrajaya to tighten rules under the movement control order to curb the spread of Covid-19, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.

Citing a recent survey, the Defence Minister said the National Security Council (NSC) received positive feedback from individuals who want Putrajaya to come up with strict rules, especially during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He did not give any details of the survey.

“Actually, we receive feedback from the public that want us to tighten the SOP and not relax them.

“The intention is to avoid the spread of the virus to other family members during Hari Raya. That is why we allow only 20 people to be in a house during the first day of Aidilfitri and no interstate travel is allowed,” said Ismail Sabri in his daily media briefing.

Ismail Sabri said those who sneaked back to their hometowns may find themselves in trouble when they try to return to the city.

“Some have managed to sneak out and went back to their hometown. They may be happy now but when they want to come back, they will be in trouble.

“They may pass one roadblock, but there are other roadblocks when traveling back home,” Ismail Sabri added.

The government has prohibited people from going back to their hometowns for the festivities but allowed close family members to gather on the first day of Hari Raya.

Ismail Sabri said the number of vehicles stopped at roadblocks yesterday was higher than the day before.

“Many are still trying to go back to their hometown. Yesterday we stopped 1,248 vehicles when last Saturday only 508 vehicles were stopped.

“There is no need to ‘balik kampung’. Interstate travel is not allowed,” he said. – May 17, 2020.