PETALING JAYA: There is no element of racism when it comes to setting up standard operating procedures (SOPs), especially during a festive season, says Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pix).
“During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, mosques were closed and the SOP is the same for every race, religion and so on in our country. Even on Hari Raya Haji, the sacrificing of a large number of cows was not allowed,“ he said.
“Regardless of race or religion, it is the same SOP for everyone.Hindus who need to go to the temple should abide by the SOP with only 30 allowed at a time for a period of 30 minutes, ”he added.
He said during his daily media briefing that the police will conduct patrols in residential and rural areas more intensively, especially those places under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
He said for those celebrating Deepavali in the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas, it is strictly prohibited for them to have visitors.
However, for areas under CMCO, neighbours and other family members in the same district up to 20 people at a time are allowed to celebrate in a single household.
He said so far there has been no unusual traffic congestion.
He added that the authorities will ramp up enforcement during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) with more roadblocks to be set up by tomorrow following the Deepavali celebration.
Ismail Sabri added that the roadblocks will be conducted at state borders after toll plazas and between districts and regions.
“ I hope no one would have the intention to return to their village and try to cross borders (state or district) during this period as previously during the Muslim fasting month, we had received many reports of vehicles being ordered to turn around when they tried to go back to their villages,“ he said.
To date, those states which are not under CMCO are Perlis, Pahang and Kelantan which are under RMCO.
Meanwhile, a total of 379 individuals had violated various SOPs, with 370 issued compounds and nine remanded.
A total of 27 illegal immigrants and one boat skipper were detained during Ops Benteng while eight land vehicles were seized.
To date, between April 24 and Nov 12, a total of 65,955 people had returned to the country and of this, a total of 388 tested positive for Covid-19 and had been sent to hospitals for further treatment.
A total of 55,923 were allowed to go home after undergoing the compulsory 14-day quarantine.
