KUALA LUMPUR: Compound notices were issued to twelve individuals for gathering and violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) in Bukit Bintang on New Year's Eve.

       Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said about 700 to 1,000 people gathered in the area on Friday (Dec 31) night.

       "We took action by instructing all who gathered there to continue walking and disperse.

       "We also reminded the public to always maintain physical distancing and avoid gathering at certain locations," he said when contacted Saturday (Jan 1).

       ACP Noor Dellhan said RM1,000 compound notices were issued to 12 individuals who refused to disperse or heed instructions from the police.

       "Each individual was issued with RM1,000 compound notices for violating the SOP," he said.

       Police personnel on duty also provided traffic control in Bukit Bintang to ensure that pedestrians could walk safely and traffic was smooth, he added.

       "We need the cooperation of the public in complying with the SOP so that we can prevent the spread of the virus," he said.