Let this be a lesson for all you boys and girls out there: even though the government has relaxed the standard operating procedures (SOPs), it doesn't meant that you're free to go anywhere you want or please.

These Malaysians found that out the hard way.

A costly adventure

The Bentong district police have compounded 12 Malaysians for trying to travel to Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur.

Bentong district police chief Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar said in a statement posted on Facebook that a team of police officers from the Bentong district police headquarters (IPD) made a snap check at the KM17 Kee Sang checkpoint in Genting Highlands, Pahang on Wednesday (15 September).

Supt Zaiham said the check found 12 people who did not have a valid reason to be travelling interstate.

(To refresh your memory, Malaysians living in states categorised under Phase 1 or Phase of the National Recovery Plan are still not permitted to cross state borders)

The 10 men and two women, aged between 20 to 58, were stopped at the roadblock and were each issued a RM5,000 fine on the spot.

Supt Zaiham said they were fined under Regulation 17(1) Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulation (No 2) 2021.

"After inspection, 12 individuals were fined for failing to produce valid interstate travel permits from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)," he said in the statement.

Here's the statement in full:

Now that you know that the police are still keeping a close eye on those travelling without proper documentation, let's just save all our joyrides until the borders are reopened again, OK?

You Shall Not Pass: 12 Malaysians Taking A Joyride To Genting Highlands Fined RM5,000 Each

A costly adventure