KOTA KINABALU: Nine men who were found drinking and eating together in the Tuaran district were nabbed for flouting the movement control order (MCO) on Sunday (April 19).

Tuaran OCPD Deputy Supt Mohd Hamizi Halim said the men claimed they were discussing ways to distribute aid to the needy during the MCO during the 7.10pm raid at Kg Bombong.

"The men, aged 40 to 60, were hauled in and will be investigated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act," he said in a statement here Tuesday (April 21).

He said initial investigations found that the gathering was held at one of the suspect's house who also prepared food and drinks for his guests.

On another matter, DSP Hamizi said police in the district have nabbed a total of 31 people, including a woman, for violating the MCO between March 18 and April 20.

He said they would continue their operations and raids to ensure that people in the district abide strictly by the MCO.