AS the nation moves into the third phase of the movement control order (MCO), starting today until April 28 to fight the spread of Covid-19, the Penang police have stepped up the enforcement by increasing the amount of roadblocks statewide.
State police chief Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan in his statement on April 13 said that there were 40 police roadblocks that had been set up and more would come under the third phase of MCO to control the people’s movement in Penang.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador in his statement yesterday (April 14) said that those who purposely disregard the MCO would be remanded and charged in court instead of just being issued a compound fine of RM1,000.
Buletin Mutiara decided to conduct a survey today to check the traffic volume on the first day of the MCO phase three.
There was a slight increase in the number of vehicles in Perai and Seberang Jaya heading towards the Penang Bridge despite that a roadblock was set up in the area.
Buletin Mutiara approached several Penangites to listen to their views on the matter.
Hamidah Elyas (63, housewife)
“I notice an increase in the number of vehicles on the road although we are still in the MCO period. This should not happen.
“The MCO is meant to curb the spread of the Covid-19. It defeats the purpose of the MCO if the public disregard the order by increasing their movements outdoor.
“The Government may consider extending the MCO period if the public do not comply with the order.
“I seriously urge the people to stay at home.”
Sugan Nadarajan (38, private sector worker)
“I believe that the increase in the number of vehicles was due to the latest approval given by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) that allows more sectors to operate.
“As a result, the workers who work in those sectors are required to resume work by their employers.
“Many factories in the Perai and Bayan Lepas Industrial Zones have resumed their operations. That is what causing the road congestions in those areas.
“I hope that the authorities can conduct spot checks on those factories to see if they have the approval from MITI to operate. If they don’t, then they should remain close.”
Fong Wai Kong (58, trader)
“I think the authorities should tighten the enforcement at roadblocks.
“I believe that some people misused the movement permits issued by their employers to go outdoor instead of going to the office from their home.
“This is really unethical and I hope the authorities can address the matter.”
Over on the Penang island, traffic seemed to be under control with many roadblocks in placed, such as in Kampung Kolam and Macalister Road.
Zulhilmi Samsudin (27, food delivery man)
“I see fewer cars on the road between George Town, Pulau Tikus and Tanjung Tokong. However, we can see traffic congestion on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.
“It is good that the police are tightening the enforcement.”
Mekendran Rajaretnam (28, despatch rider)
“I can see more vehicles travelling between George Town and Bayan Baru. I agree that tighter enforcement and snap checks can reduce the number of vehicles on the road.”
Mazli Daud (32, quantity surveyor and food delivery man)
“There are many vehicles travelling on the Penang bridge. I live in Batu Uban and I could see the road leading to the bridge.”
Muhd Rifae Shaik Zainudin (26) and Mohamed Razim Abdul Rahim (24) (both food delivery men)
“We encourage the police to set up more roadblocks to ensure that the people adhere to the MCO.”
Story by Riadz Akmal and Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad