In view of the Hari Raya holidays over the past few days, many people have been flocking to Taman Semabok Perdana in Melaka to catch the picturesque view in person.
However, locals failed to practise social distancing despite warning amidst the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). As such, 38 locals were detained yesterday (Tuesday, 26th May).
As seen from the stunning image above, Taman Semabok Perdana is filled with a stunning backdrop of purple water hyacinths. Many who visited there have commented that the pond (which used to be a fishing spot) now looks like a springtime scenery in Europe.
Despite the amazing scenic view, some have warned that water hyacinths is actually harmful to the environment as it depletes oxygen in water and diminishes fish breeding. According to BioNET-EAFRINET, water hyacinth “clogs waterways preventing river travel, blocks irrigation canals, destroys paddy rice fields, and ruins fishing grounds. By shading the water, these plants can deprive native freshwater plants of sunlight and animals of oxygenated water.”
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Bernama reported that 3 babies, 6 children, 2 teens, and 7 elderly folks were remanded. Central Melaka police chief assistant commissioner Afzanizar Ahmad added that 20 other individuals – aged between 19 and 55 – were fined RM1,000 each for violating Rule 7(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020.
Under the CMCO standard operating procedure (SOP), people aren’t allowed to gather in large groups in any recreational area. When told to disperse, these individuals stubbornly ignored the warning. Thus, strict action had to be taken to avoid the potential spread of Covid-19.
Let’s be responsible. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Source: Bernama.
