JOHOR BARU: A sharp increase of Covid-19 positive cases at Kampung Dato’ Ibrahim Majid and Bandar Baharu Dato’ Ibrahim Majid in Simpang Renggam, Kluang, which is now under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO), is believed to be related to the tabligh gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque recently.
Johor Police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (pix) said that he did not rule out the possibility that some of the villagers did not isolate themselves (quarantine) after returning from the gathering.
“Some may have attended receptions (kenduri) in their area because they were unaware of the outbreak,“ he told a press conference, in responding to a question on whether the increase in Covid-19 cases was due to the wedding receptions and tahlil organised recently in the area.
There are claims by Kampung Dato’ Ibrahim Majid residents that the outbreak started with a wedding reception and tahlil that was held on March 15.
Meanwhile, Ayob Khan noted that the authorities have set-up roadblocks on the five main roads and 11 ‘rat routes’, which were the entry points of the two areas.
The roadblocks involved 181 officers and personnel of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
“Before EMCO was implemented, 80 officers and personnel were deployed to the area and the number has increased to 181 today.
Based on police surveillance, residents of both areas are obeying the EMCO restriction.
Yesterday, the government ruled that EMCO is to be implemented in the two areas due to the high number of Covid-19 positive cases.
The EMCO involves 3,570 locals residents, comprising of 650 families. — Bernama
