KUALA LUMPUR: The police have rejected three applications for gatherings and celebrations to usher in the new year in the city, says Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The Inspector-General of Police said he was informed of the decision by the Kuala Lumpur police chief.

"The applications were rejected as it would not be in accordance with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures set by the Health Ministry.

"If the applications were approved, we believe it will lead to gatherings of a large number of people and the areas would be cramped," he said when contacted on Thursday (Dec 31).

Gathering people, especially in areas placed under the conditional movement control order (MCO), is wrong, the IGP stressed.

"The police force will conduct patrols tonight to ensure that no gatherings are held in any location to celebrate New Year's Day.

"If there are still those stubborn enough to attend or organised such gatherings, we will take stern action, including issuing compounds for those who failed to adhere to the SOPs," Abdul Hamid said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/12/31/kl-police-reject-applications-for-new-year-gathering