KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri reminded the public today that the movement control order (MCO) applies even within gated vicinities.
The warning followed allegations that many residents in gated communities were found outside their homes, with some said to be jogging in large groups.
Ismail, however, provided no photographic evidence.
“The MCO must be observed even within gated communities,” he told a media briefing in Putrajaya.
“We were informed by the police that people can still be found outside and going jogging in large groups.”
The authorities banned outdoor running as part of the MCO despite initially suggesting that exercising in public is acceptable provided social distancing is observed.
Yesterday, 11 joggers of various nationalities, including two Malaysians, were among the scores of people arrested for flouting the order currently enforced nationwide.
Over 400 arrests have been made since Thursday, Ismail revealed today.
City police chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said all 11 suspects were detained while jogging during a routine police patrol around Jalan Mont Kiara and Jalan Desa Kiara in Kuala Lumpur between 7.30am and 9.30am.
Despite the number of arrests, the senior minister said up to 97 per cent of the population have complied with the order.
