Can police discretion override the 10km travel limit for essential needs?

Question

Accepted Answer

Police Discretion Can Override the 10km Travel Limit for Essential Needs

The government's 10km travel radius rule is not mandatory, with police granted discretionary powers to permit travel beyond this limit when essential needs arise. This discretion specifically covers situations where individuals require medical treatment at facilities located further than 10km, or when essential items are unavailable within the designated radius. The police can authorise travel up to 11km if a needed item cannot be sourced within the 10km zone.
Medical Treatment Beyond the Radius

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba has confirmed that special allowances will be made for individuals seeking medical attention and necessary medication outside the 10km restriction. This clarification addresses concerns that individuals with legitimate health needs might be prevented from accessing care. The Minister acknowledged the necessity of such leeway to ensure timely medical treatment, stating there is no justification for hindering movement when health is compromised.
Essential Item Procurement

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has elaborated that the police can exercise discretion to allow travel beyond the 10km limit for the purchase of essential goods not available locally. He provided an example where travel up to 11km would be permitted if a specific food product, for instance, cannot be found within the 10km radius. This measure aims to ensure that residents can still access necessary provisions even if their immediate vicinity lacks certain items.
Addressing Ground-Level Enforcement Issues

Concerns have been raised regarding instances where individuals with valid medical needs have reportedly been turned back despite existing clarifications. The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) medical director, Dr M. Murallitharan, highlighted cases of cancer patients being denied passage to treatment centres beyond the 10km radius. He stressed the need for clearer instructions to be disseminated to ground enforcement personnel to ensure these exceptions are effectively implemented.
Discretionary Powers for Specific Cases

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri acknowledged reports of individuals being stopped from travelling for medical reasons that extended beyond the 10km boundary. He reiterated that police are empowered to use their judgment in such circumstances. This discretionary power is intended to provide flexibility for genuine needs, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare access, ensuring that individuals are not unduly obstructed in seeking necessary medical services.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Can police discretion override the 10km travel limit for essential needs?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends