The army will help the police enforce the movement control order (MCO) from Sunday, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The defence minister said the decision was made in a national emergency meeting this morning.
He also urged Malaysians to comply with the order so that the government’s fight to curb the Covid-19 spread will be successful.
“The army will be mobilised to help the police keep order and ensure Malaysians follow the MCO to stay home,” the senior minister said in Putrajaya today.
Although the police have said there was an increase in compliance with the order, there were still isolated incidents of people refusing to follow instructions.
“Parents were taking their children to the playground and some people were seen at restaurants.
“Despite being told to disperse, they do not. If this persists, the police will have to use stricter measures, including detaining or charging them under the Police Act,” said Ismail.
He added the police were empowered by the health minister under the Control of the Spread of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Police Act 1967 to take action against those flouting the order.
Ismail added that Health Minister Dr Adham Baba will issue a similar instruction to the army.
“We are using an advisory approach to get people to stay home and not go out. But this will not be forever. Those who refuse to follow instructions can be fined RM1,000 or jailed for up to two years.”
Meanwhile, Ismail said Putrajaya will issue letters to government staff who need to work during this period.
“This will allow them to go to work (and show the letter) when the police stop them. The International Trade and Industry Ministry will do the same for private companies.”
As of yesterday, police have staged roadblocks and inspected some 11,000 vehicles, Ismail said.
So far, Malaysia has recorded 900 Covid-19 cases with two fatalities.
Worldwide, there have been 242,300 infections with a death toll of 9,857.
Putrajaya imposed a two-week movement control order in a bid to halt the spread of the deadly disease. – TMI