GEORGE TOWN: A total 1,301 traffic summonses were issued to motorists within a span of seven hours after police set up 42 roadblocks on New Year's Eve.

       Penang Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Asst Comm Rahimi Ra'ais said the operation, involving all five district police headquarters, from 9pm on Friday (Dec 31) to 4am on Saturday (Jan 1) saw an enforcement strength of 146 senior officers and 821 policemen.

       "A total of 8,164 individuals and 4,929 vehicles were inspected with 1,301 summonses issued and 52 motorcycles seized for various traffic violations.

       "Three individuals were arrested under Section 45(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 after they were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

       "Police also arrested 36 individuals for criminal offences.

       "A group of 26 more were arrested for violating Entertainment Premises Enactment 1988 and their equipment was seized after they were found to have organised a celebration without permit from authorities.

       "Throughout the operation, action was taken against 36 individuals under Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 [Act 342] while three individuals were arrested for violating Explosives Act 1957 after illegally lighting up firecrackers.

       "We also managed to arrest five wanted suspects," he said during a press conference at the state contingent police headquarters on Saturday.