In a ‘perfect’ world, police roadblocks would be unnecessary because everyone would be law-abiding. When told that there is a Movement Control Order (MCO) in force to protect the general public and reduce the spread of coronavirus infection, they would adhere to the conditions set. Unfortunately, such a ‘perfect’ world does not exist and there will still be people who are disobedient, so the authorities have to set up roadblocks to check and manage traffic flows around the country.
Initially, when the MCO started, there was leniency and the approach taken was to advise motorists that they were not following the conditions. That was the ‘carrot’ which was necessary since Malaysians have never experienced such widespread control. But then the police found that there were many who drove around for fun when that is not allowed at all.
Travel is only permitted for buying essential items, medical supplies or for medical treatment and emergencies. And because some people purposely went far just to get extra driving time, a limit was set – 10 kms from your home. This too would not be necessary in a world where everyone abides by laws so the ‘stick’ is needed.
To manage the traffic flow more effectively and enable more thorough checking, the police closed off a number of roads to channel vehicles to specific areas. Though this meant jams as vehicles queued up, it was more efficient for the police instead of using more personnel to set up many roadblocks.
This Friday, April 10, more roads will be closed off in the Klang Valley, specifically in the area of Mutiara Damansara, Flora Damansara and Damansara Perdana. The closure will remain until the end of the MCO period, presently scheduled for April 14 unless extended.
Affected routes
Jalan PJU 8/1 (Damansara Perdana) turn-off to Penchala Link/Kepong.
Penchala Link (towards Damansara) turn-off to Damansara Perdana and Mutiara Damansara.
Turn-off from LDP to Mutiara Damansara and Damansara Perdana.
Turn-off from LDP to Jalan PJU 8/8 Flora Damansara.
Turn-off to Jalan PJU 7/8 (the road to IPC/IKEA).
Roadblock at Jalan PJU 7/11 (Mutiara Damansara MRT station) in both directions.
Alternative routes
To exit these areas, motorists are advised to use these alternative routes:
For those with valid reasons to travel and need to drive through the areas, you can go from Damansara Perdana to the Penchala Link through Jalan PJU 7/9 Mutiara Damansara (near the BHPetrol station). There is also another route from Damansara Perdana to Persiaran Surian through Jalan PJU 7/1 in Mutiara Damansara.
Meanwhile, the IGP has said that taking pictures or video of police activities at roadblocks is forbidden. Although some may want to take pictures for ‘memories’ of this distressing period, there are also some who take pictures or video with intent to cause trouble for the police. This is senseless, especially when the police are the ones taking risks by having to interact with motorists.
RM1,000 – RM10,000 fines, no appeal
The COVID-19 pandemic is very serious and to show how serious it is, there is now a fine of up to RM1,000 or 6 months in jail for offenders – and there is no provision for appeal and certainly no discount at a later date. A maximum of two weeks is given to settle the fine otherwise the offender will be taken to court.
If the offender causes more problems, he or she can also face other charges (eg obstructing a public servant on duty) and could be fined up to RM10,000, 2 years in jail or even both penalties.
Times are bad enough already so don’t make it worse for yourself by not following the simple conditions of the MCO. The basic ones for motorists, besides travel only for essential purchases and emergencies, one person in the vehicle, and a maximum range of 10 kms from your home. For the last condition, you may be required to show evidence of where you stay. If your MyKad address is somewhere else far away, then you need to show a TNB or water bill from the address you are presently staying at.
At all times, be polite and respectful at roadblocks – and patient too. The police and soldiers are also frontliners in the War on COVID-19 and we should be grateful to them. Maybe you’d also like to buy an extra carton of drinks (if you can afford it) to give to them on the way home to show appreciation.
Movement Control Order (MCO) – only up to 10 kms to get essential items
