Inspector-general of police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said in a statement last night that the order was to prevent those seeking to make interstate journeys for the Hari Raya Haji celebrations on Tuesday, from abusing the privilege accorded by the Miti letters.

He added police at all roadblocks at state borders would be ordered not to accept the ministry’s letters as valid travel permits from today (July 18) until July 21.

Acryl Sani said there had been an increase in highway traffic over the past two days.

Separately, Bernama reported Bukit Aman traffic police director Azisman Alias as saying that action would be taken against any person attempting to cross state borders ahead of Aidiladha celebrations.

Any permission for interstate travel would only be granted for emergencies, he said.

Bentong district police chief Zaiham Mohd Kahar said traffic flow at the Bentong toll plaza roadblock was currently under control.

Kelantan deputy police chief Abdullah Muhammad Piah said in Kota Bharu that traffic flow into the state was under control despite a 5% increase in Jeli, for vehicles coming from the north. Traffic in Gua Musang and Pasir Puteh was as usual.