KUALA LUMPUR: Dozens of police teams will be deployed to monitor compliance to Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) on New Year’s Eve.
City police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said 68 teams would be deployed, and helped by the General Operations Force and Federal Reserved Unit.
“They will patrol several locations in the city to ensure everyone complies with the SOP.
“So far, we have not received any reports of planned gatherings to celebrate the new year in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
“Members of the public are not allowed to have large gatherings in public locations.
“Night clubs and entertainment outlets are still not allowed to operate due to the pandemic,” he added.
In Selangor, state police chief Comm Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed urged people not to have big celebrations.
“Many people are still in misery given the recent floods. Thus, it is unwise to even have celebrations.
“The state government has also cancelled its New Year’s Eve celebration,” he said.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said there would be no fireworks at KLCC and Pavilion tonight.
He said the move was a reminder that Kuala Lumpur was still under Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan, which had been in effect since Oct 18.
“The Dang Wangi police will be conducting patrols at hotspot areas to prevent any activity that could cause large gatherings and action will be taken against those who do not adhere to the SOP,” he said.
In Penang, George Town OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong said large gatherings and events at open spaces were prohibited.
“However, celebrations in enclosed premises where the crowd can be controlled are allowed.
“Nightclubs and entertainment outlets are not allowed to operate. Operators of such premises who had converted their licences to restaurants must ensure they conduct their business according to their restaurant licences.
“We will take action against those found conducting their business with entertainment elements in their restaurants,” he said.
ACP Soffian said it was illegal to sell, own and play with fireworks and firecrackers, and offenders would be punished.