Sigh, what will we do with you stubborn Malaysians?
Over the weekend, the number of people who tried to travel back to their hometowns have reportedly increased two-folds, despite the ban on interstate travel.
Thousands asked to turn back
According to Bernama, a total of 1,248 vehicles that tried to cross state borders were asked to turn back by the police on 16 May alone.
On 15 May, 508 vehicles were reportedly stopped from making the journey across states.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob told the news portal that the police stopped the vehicles at 147 blocks around the country.
A total of 218,027 vehicles were stopped on 16 May to check for violators of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which forbids people from traveling from state to state without valid reasons.
Saya harap, tidak perlu curi-curi balik ke kampung. Berkemungkinan akan kerugian jika dikenakan kompaun RM1,000.
— Ismail Sabri (@IsmailSabri60) May 17, 2020
Bersabarlah.. InsyaAllah satu hari nanti kita pasti boleh balik ke kampung walaupun selepas raya.#StayHomeStaySafe #KawalanKendiri pic.twitter.com/mnYnCiJ8jY
"I have said this many times - no need to 'balik kampung' this Hari Raya as we are still under the conditional movement control order (MCO) period.
"Our goal has always been to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus so we need everyone to cooperate. Sacrifice returning to your home towns this year for the greater good," he said during his daily press conference on 17 May.
Ismail also reminded people those refusing to follow the rules can be compounded up to RM1,000.
Do not travel between states unless there's an emergency
According to Astro Awani, some of the reasons given by those stopped at the police blocks included dometic disputes and wanting to get married.
Quoting Gombak district police chief Assistant Commissioner Arifai Tarawe, the report showed that many tried to travel between states without going through the proper channels.
"I would like to remind everyone, the police will ask for you to show your documents. If true, valid, we will allow.
"So, I hope the public can first get approval from the police stations before beginning their travels," he was quoted as saying.
He also added that since those stuck in theor hometowns were allowed to return between 7 and 11 May, nobody should be traveling between states except for emergencies.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still going on, as is the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). As much as we miss our families and friends, we wouldn't want to bring the virus to them, right?
Please stay home and stay safe, guys.
