THE movement control order (MCO), which marks the 12th day of its enforcement today, saw a dwindling number of motorists entering the Penang Bridge from Seberang Perai.
The MCO enforcement, which started on March 18, has been extended from March 31 to April 14 to fight the spread of Covid-19.
A check by Buletin Mutiara saw that a roadblock was set up near the Penang Bridge toll plaza.
The roadblock was manned by police personnel with the help of army men and Malaysian Volunteer Corps (Rela) personnel.
The roadway was divided into three lanes.
Meanwhile, the traffic flow from mainland roads heading towards the bridge was smoother and under control.
Each motorist who wanted to cross the bridge would be questioned by the police personnel.
Seberang Perai Tengah district acting police chief Supt Mohd Mustafa Bidin said the compliance rate among the motorists has improved each day during the MCO enforcement.
“At the roadblock today, only a small number of motorists gave us silly excuses in wanting to cross the bridge such as to buy cigarettes, visiting cousin’s houses and many others.
“These are the kind of excuses that we do not accept and they were not allowed onto the bridge.
“And the majority of them who were allowed to cross the bridge have given us satisfactory reasons. Some have supportive documents from their employers.
“They included those who are working on the Penang island and those who are out distrubting essential goods to the markets.
“So far, we are satisfied with the compliance rate and we will continue to carry out the 24-hour roadblock.
“Thus, we hope that the public will continue to adhere to the MCO and refrain from going anywhere without a valid reason,” he said when contacted today.
Apart from that, Buletin Mutiara visited a few supermarkets in Seberang Perai.
It is observed that shoppers there do not need to undergo a long queue to get into the grocery area.
The majority of them also were seen wearing face masks and practising the social distancing order.
The mall management also provided hand sanitisers for customers to use at the entrance. They also conducted body temperature check on every customer.
Grocery items such as rice, bread, vegetables, cooking oil, instant noodles and dried food were all restocked by the staff.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Eng Kok Wei
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad