DRIVERS stopped trying to cross state lines to get to their home towns will not only be ordered to turn back by the police, but compounded as well, Ismail Sabri Yaakob said as reports surface of thousands attempting to balik kampung ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The senior minister said drivers will be fined on the spot at roadblocks. 

“We want to ensure that the people know that the government is serious about (curbing) interstate travel. 

“We found out that one woman who crossed state lines tested positive for Covid-19. So, there is no more compromise on this,” he told his daily press conference in Putrajaya today.

Reports have surfaced of traffic crawls and congestion as thousands try to return to their home towns despite the movement control order still being in place.

The Star Online earlier today reported that traffic flow from the capital heading north and south on the PLUS highway was slowing down, ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri weekend.

Ismail Sabri said the police have set up roadblocks at 149 interstate border crossings nationwide and inspected 271,646 vehicles.

As of yesterday, 2,412 vehicles travelling across state lines on the pretext of returning to their home towns had been ordered to return by the police. 

“Yesterday, there were reports that 1,300 people were lining up at the Kuantan district police station in Pahang to seek permission to return home.  

“We want to continue to emphasise that cross-border travel is not allowed at all.” – May 21, 2020.