By Penerangan

SIMANGGANG: After operating for eight months, all roadblocks (SJR) in Sarawak ended on Wednesday (Oct 6) except for SJR Ops Benteng.

Sri Aman police chief DSP Bingkok John said although SJR Simpang Engkilili, Jalan Sri Aman-Betong had been terminated, the public were reminded to continue to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to control the spread of Covid-19.

“We are aware that many parties are relieved following the end of the roadblocks as it allows inter-district movement without having to obtain a police permit.

“However, this is not an excuse for the public not to comply with SOPs.

“After this, we will focus on increasing monitoring and enforcement of SOPs, especially in Sri Aman District.”

He said police would increase the number of enforcement personnel, roping in members handling previous roadblocks.

DSP Bingkok expressed his appreciation to the public and agencies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces, People’s Volunteer Corps and the Civil Defence Force involved in SJR Simpang Engkilili.

Commenting on the roadblocks, he noted that the crime index rate throughout Sri Aman District was under control and showed a downward trend throughout the implementation period.

The roadblocks were terminated following a statement by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman, on Tuesday.