PUTRAJAYA: THE relaxation of restrictions under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) can be reversed if Malaysians fail to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) and safety measures enforced from June 10.
This was the warning from Defence Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday following reports of SOP and social distancing violations.
On the crowds that thronged Zoo Negara after it reopened, he reminded the public about the importance of complying with the SOP to curb Covid-19 infections.
"I read about it (SOP violations). The relaxation of restrictions does not mean total freedom. Please comply with the SOP and observe social distancing measures, not just while visiting the zoo, but in all public places.
"The relaxation of rules under the RMCO can be reversed if the SOP is not followed," he told a press conference here yesterday.
He said he contacted the inspector-general of police over the matter and the latter would deploy a task force to monitor SOP compliance at the zoo.
"Please exercise self-discipline. Comply with the SOP and safety measures even without a police presence. I hope there won't be a new cluster detected at the zoo.
"We are the frontliners responsible for protecting ourselves, our families and the community.
"It is our responsibility to practise self-discipline so that we remain safe."
He said on Saturday, police arrested six people who violated the RMCO's guidelines and 13 others were compounded for non-compliance.
Offenders can be compounded or taken to court, with a maximum fine of RM1,000 and up to six months' jail under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
Ismail Sabri said police reported that traffic was mostly smooth despite an increase in the number of vehicles on major highways and main roads.
"I went back to my constituency, Bera, yesterday (Saturday) and traffic was smooth. I even stopped at the Lanchang R&R (rest and service stop) and saw that there was no overcrowding and people were adhering to the SOP.
"Please drive carefully and abide by traffic laws to prevent accidents and deaths. Please comply with all SOP when stopping at the R&R."
He said on Saturday, police arrested 20 foreigners for immigration offences at roadblocks under Op Benteng.
He said 48,460 vehicles were checked at 67 roadblocks.
Ismail Sabri said 2,921 people had been screened for Covid-19 upon arrival in Malaysia since the government enforced the man-datory home quarantine for returnees from June 10.
He said 2,911 of them tested negative and were allowed to undergo home quarantine, while 10 tested positive and were sent to the hospital for treatment.