46 people have been arrested over the last 24 hours for defying MCO

Datuk Dev Kumar M. M. Sree

KUCHING, Mar 31: Nine in Kuching, out of 46 persons throughout Sarawak have been arrested for defying the Movement Control Order (MCO) over the last 24 hours.

State Deputy Commissioner of Police Datuk Dev Kumar disclosed that Miri recorded the most arrests with 12 persons followed by Sibu (8), Saratok (3), Padawan (2), Kota Samarahan (2), Sri Aman (2), Limbang (2), Dalat (2) and one each in Bintulu, Serian, Lawas and Sarikei.

“A total of 83 people have been charged (in court) since MCO was enforced on March 18,” he reported in a statement today.

Sibu recorded 31 persons, followed by Padawan (13), Miri (7), Dalat (7), Sarikei (6), Lawas (6), Matu-Daro (6), Kuching (4), Kota Samarahan (2) dan Bintulu (1).

“Most of those arrested have pleaded guilty and will be facing jail time between two to four months,” he warned.

Dev thus advised people to abide by the restrictions under the MCO and stay at home if there was no necessity to go out.

A total of 276 arrests have bren made since March 18 until morning of March 31 (today)

Meanwhile, offenses under Section 186 of the Penal Code shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years’ imprisonment or with fine, which may extend up to RM10,000, or both.

Offenses can also be punished under Regulation 7 (1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infectious Diseases Area 2020) which provides a fine not more than RM1,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months or both. —DayakDaily