by Nancy Nais
SERIAN, March 19: Police are intensifying their border checks including at the Tebedu Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex following the Movement Control Order (MCO) in effect since yesterday to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
Serian police chief DSP Aswandy Anis said the daily joint operations with army was to ensure that there were no visitors or foreign tourists entering Sarawak via Tebedu-Entikong checkpoint.
“The border gate is completely closed to everyone except for Sarawakians who are returning to the state. Together with the army, we must also ensure that no Sarawakians exit the state through this checkpoint,” Aswandy said after visiting the said checkpoint, located about 78km from Kuching city, today.
On March 16, Muhyiddin announced the restricted movement order to prevent further escalation of Covid-19, from March 18 to 31.
Malaysians are barred from travelling overseas for two weeks, while visitors are not allowed to enter the country.
Schools and non-essential businesses were also ordered closed.
Meanwhile, police personnel from Serian conducted a road block along KM38 Jalan Kuching-Serian to monitor vehicle movement.
“Many of them said they are heading to their respective villages. We advised them not to leave their homes during this period unless it is necessary such as the need to get daily essentials,” ASP John Sabadurai Frankie Alat said.
They also conducted checks around Serian bazaar, to ensure non-essential business premises are closed, while food and beverages outlets can only offer takeaways.
Meanwhile over in Bau district, police also conduct similar checks around the township to ensure business operators and patrons abide with the restricted movement order.
A small group of people were seen loitering at a hawker stall above the council wet market. They were advised and asked to leave the premises.
Apart from walking around to talk to the public, police also patroled the area with their vehicle equipped with a loudspeaker to inform and educate the public on MCO and to advise them to stay home. — DayakDaily
