Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the police will no longer compromise with rulebreakers.

He said to date, a total of 7,759 individuals had been arrested for violating the MCO since it was first implemented on 18 March.

Although the rate of compliance remains at 97 per cent nationwide, Ismail said there are still groups who purposely defied the order.

Jailed, fined or both

News Straits Times, quoting Ismail, said those arrested will be charged under Section 24 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) which carries a two-year jail sentence or a fine or both; while a second offence under the same Act will result in the violator being sent to jail for five years.

He said individuals who did not cooperate with the Health Ministry, including those isolated at quarantine centres will also face action under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing civil servants from performing their duties, and perpetrators could be imprisoned for not more than two years or fined RM10,000, or both.

“When I say civil servants, (I do not mean just) police officers, but all civil servants who are involved in our operation to break the chain of the COVID-19 virus. (This) includes doctors and nurses,” he said.