142 MCO defiers arrested in Sarawak

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Datuk Dev Kumar

KUCHING: Sarawak police arrested 142 persons for defying the Movement Control Order (MCO) between 8am on Wednesday (April 15) and 8am yesterday.

Sarawak Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Dev Kumar said in a statement yesterday that there would no longer be any compromise for those purposely defying the MCO.

He pointed out police would no longer issue RM1,000 compound notices to those caught defying the order at roadblocks or during snap checks throughout the state.

“We will arrest and put the suspects in the lock-up. They too might be remanded for the offence,” said Dev Kumar.

He added that if the police found no reason to hold suspects in the lock-up, they would be granted police bail and charged in court.

Those found guilty could be fined a maximum RM1,000 or face a jail sentence of not more than six months, or both.

Within the last 24 hours, the highest number of arrests were made in Serian (28), followed by Padawan (21), Sibu (18), Bintulu (17), Kuching (16), Kota Samarahan (11), Miri (8), Sarikei (7), Limbang (5), Song (4), Sri Aman (2), Betong (2), Meradong (2), and Lundu (1).

Since March 18, a total of 775 persons have been arrested and a total of 733 compound notices have been issued by the police against those defying the MCO.

A total of 484 individuals have also been charged in court.