Kasuahdi Ali of federal police headquarters said the checks were necessary to ensure that no one abuses their work permits to return to their home towns in conjunction with the celebrations.

“Everyone, especially the Chinese community, will celebrate the Chinese New Year and also there is a possibility that others will take advantage of the long weekend.

“Therefore, we will scrutinise the applications thoroughly. We believe that if there are attempts made (to cross district or state borders) they will not pass the roadblocks if they don’t comply with the rules,” he said.

Kasuahdi, who is deputy director of internal security and public order, spoke to reporters after an inspection of a roadblock in Jalan Kuala Kangsar here today.

He said strict enforcement at roadblocks was needed to ensure the success of the efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Motorcycle patrols in Klang Valley

Federal police also announced that the motorcycle division of its elite Special Action Unit would be conducting patrols particularly in the Klang Valley.

The unit’s commander, Mohd Khairi Khairuddin, said the team had previously used cars, but have since switched to BMW R1250 motorcycles which allowed members to arrive earlier at locations, as they could avoid traffic congestion.

“A total of 12 personnel will be patrolling on motorcycles daily as it is easier to move about, even in traffic congestions,” he told reporters in Kuala Kangsar.

In November last year, Bukit Aman UTK received 24 BMW R1250 motorcycles, for the use of the team in the Klang Valley.