Main image via The Star + Selangor Journal
Raya is almost upon us and without a doubt, this year’s celebrations will definitely by different from previous years because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
This year unfortunately, there’ll be no balik kampung as the authorities are doing all they can to help stop the spread of the virus.
Sadly, even with clear interstate travel restrictions in place, some are just refusing to follow these measures and still attempting to balik kampung.
Image via The Star
Previously, it was reported that over 1,000 vehicles were caught making unauthorised interstate travel and were ordered to turn back.
Now, PDRM will not only be having roadblocks across state borders but they will also be patrolling housing areas and villagers to track down those who travel interstate without authorization.
According to the Armed Force chief Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang, the military is committed to working with the police in these efforts.
“Spot checks will also be conducted on vehicles parked outside homes during the Hari Raya celebration,” he said.
“We want to find out whether the vehicle and its owner were permitted to travel interstate or otherwise,” the chief added.
Image via The Rakyat Post
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Noor Azam Jamaludin has also said that teams consisting of the police and Armed Forces, will be checking the registration numbers of vehicles, especially if there are many vehicles parked outside a home or residential area.
“If we discover that there are those who flout the ban on interstate travel, we will detain the vehicle owner, which is usually the head of family,” he said.
According to Comm Noor Azam, stern action will be taken against the culprits as the time for warnings is over.
“No more warning or advice, we will detain those who flout the conditional movement control order (CMCO) by travelling interstate without permission,” he noted.
“On top of that, we would also conduct roadbloacks at strategic locations to detect those attempting to sneak past authorities to balik kampung,” he added. “Those without the necessary approval for interstate travel will be told to turn back.”
Image via Malay Mail
We know that Raya celebrations will be different this year, but let’s embrace this new normal together to keep or loved ones and everyone around us safe. Let’s all try do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the CMCO rules.
In the meantime, be sure to keep playing your part by staying safe and staying home, and only going out if it’s absolutely necessary. And if you’re going out, be sure to practice social distancing.
Stay updated with the latest COVID-19 news here: https://en.syok.my/covid-19
Info via The Star