KUALA LUMPUR: Public compliance with Covid-19 standard operating procedure has been acceptable for the first nine days of the country’s transition into the endemic phase.

       Improvements, however, are needed in various areas, say the police.

       Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department Senior Asst Comm (Operations) MV Srikumar M. Nair said a total of 714 compound notices were issued between April 1 and 9 this year.

       In contrast, 112,452 compound notices were issued against individuals and another 11,936 compounds against bodies and organisations last year.

       “The level of compliance is good but it can be better, especially in terms of wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing in public areas.

       “We found that people must improve in ensuring that there is physical distancing and that they wear face masks,” he said in an interview yesterday.

       Wearing face masks in public areas and maintaining a one-metre physical distance are still required despite the country’s transition phase to endemicity on April 1.

       Other regulations include maintaining hand hygiene, checking in on the MySejahtera application, ensuring good ventilation system and cleanliness of premises, and complying with vaccination requirements for various activities.

       As the country remains in transition, SAC Srikumar has urged the public to remain vigilant and take steps to reduce the risk of infection.

       “Members of the police force are still deployed to ensure that the SOP is adhered to. Compliance operations are still being conducted daily,” he said, warning that stern action would continue to be taken against those violating the SOP.