Cops receive data on network of 40k people linked to Covid-19 suspects

CORONAVIRUS | The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has received the data on a network of 40,000 individuals linked to Covid-19 suspects from the Health Ministry, including those tied with the tabligh assembly in Seri Petaling.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said the data was analysed by a task force from the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headed by Huzir Mohamed to identify those who are most likely to be infected by the virus.

He said from the data provided, the police have identified several areas where certain individuals and groups that are required to go for the Covid-19 screening.

“We analysed the data by helping the MOH to identify up to about 11,000 tabligh members who attended the assembly at the Sri Petaling Mosque recently.

“From this data, the team refined and used specific methods to identify the network of close contacts, travel and who might be affected by those involved," he told Bernama in Bukit Aman.

“We have identified the individuals concerned, including getting complete information, such as their home address, telephone number and identity card number, for the MOH to contact the persons concerned to attend the Covid-19 screening," he said.

He said many of the tabligh members had been screened and urged the public not to criticise and discriminate them.

Abdul Hamid said police are also trying to get information on tabligh members who are overseas.

He said details on them would be given to the immigration authorities for necessary action to be taken upon their arrival back in the country.

"This is to confirm their arrival, whereby the police will take the necessary action to escort them to the quarantine centre for the mandatory 14-day quarantine," he added.

Prior to this, it was reported that the organiser of the tabligh gathering at Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling claimed that 95 percent of about 11,000 attendees had been screened for Covid-19. - Bernama

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