Police set up taskforce to monitor economic sectors

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Lee (left) hands over the duties to Rafhan, witnessed by Aidi.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak police have set up a taskforce to oversee and monitor economic sector according to the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Aidi Ismail said the police would carry out the enforcement together with other agencies.

“The SDMC has directed PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) to coordinate the enforcement teams, which also involve other agencies including the army, the local authorities, to monitor all sectors that have been approved such as factories, retail, shops, malls, outlets, transportation.

“Cooperation will be with other agencies to monitor the situation throughout the state,” he told a press conference after witnessing the handing over of duties between outgoing Kota Samarahan police chief DSP Lee Chong Chern and acting police chief ASP Rafhan Kepli yesterday.

Aidi said enforcement would include the operating hours of the sectors, which had been allowed to operate from 7am to 10pm daily.

He also reminded the public not to go out unnecessarily to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“Meanwhile, inter-district travel is still not allowed for Sarawak from May 10 until June 9, with 51 roadblocks set up throughout the state that involves 3,000 enforcement personnel, including the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Civil Defence Force (APM), and Rela (People’s Volunteers Corps). Approval is only given to those working and any other emergency case or welfare.

“Balik kampung (homecoming) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak are still not allowed, but within district is all right and must not be more than 20 people.

“We hope the public would adhere to this ruling during the festive occasions.
Our men are working round the clock to monitor the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile in his speech, Lee thanked the police, especially in Sarawak, for their effort to keep the state safe.

He has been promoted to superintendent and would be transferred to Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang to take over as police chief from May 19.

“I hope that the force would continue to keep this district safe from any unhealthy elements,” said Lee, who has served as police chief since 2014.