POLICE across the region are stepping up enforcement against Pokémon GO as more complaints against hunters of the elusive ‘pocket monsters’ pour in, claiming traffic violations, trespassing, and noise pollution.
In Thailand yesterday, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol. Maj. General Adul Narongsak directed traffic enforcers to keep a lookout for overenthusiastic Pokémon hunters playing the game on their mobile phones while behind the wheel.
“By driving around and playing Pokémon GO on their cell-phones, many people may engage in behavior that threatens the safety of road users and is violating the Land Transportation Act,” he was quoted as saying in The Nation.
The Thai daily said Adul also told enforcers to keep him updated on the matter on a daily basis.
SEE ALSO: Japan warns tourists about safety when playing Pokemon Go
In Malaysia, 15 motorists were booked by enforcers in the state of Penang yesterday for blocking traffic along busy streets and residential areas.
According to national news agency Bernama, Penang’s Northeast district police chief ACP Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said police made the arrests following a special operation conducted after complaints were received from enraged residents.
During the operation, he said, players were seen parking their vehicles indiscriminately while on the hunt for Pokémon.
“Residents in the area claimed that crowds began to gather from 8pm to 5am to play the game, making a lot of noise and disturbing the neighborhood, triggering unease,” he was quoted as saying.
Malaysia’s Internet regulator, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), released safety “tips” to players shortly after Pokémon GO hit Southeast Asian nations, warning against trespass and traffic violations, according to Malay Mail Online.
SEE ALSO: Pokemon Go makers working to remove game from ‘sensitive’ areas
Police in Singapore made their first Pokémon GO-related arrest yesterday after two men – a driver and a pedestrian – were caught in a fiery dispute over the game.
According to AsiaOne, the dispute began after an apparently pedestrian, apparently oblivious to his surroundings during his Pokémon hunt, crossed the road in front of the driver.
The driver then sounded his horn and a scuffle later ensued.
Singapore police have also expressed concern over reports on social media of people indiscriminately crossing roads without regard for moving vehicles or their own safety and other traffic infractions.
“In your search to ‘catch ’em all’, please do not endanger your life or personal safety, or cause convenience to those around you,” said a warning from the police.
SEE ALSO: Japan: Officials angered by Pokemon Go players at atom bomb memorial site
Meanwhile in Japan, a Tokyo Reporter report earlier this month said police in Japan were issuing warnings to players of the game as more get nabbed for violating the law.
Enforcers were even seen distributing leaflets at train stations that said: “Those using a smartphone must stop”.
The August 4 report said since the game was launched a little over a month ago, more than 700 players have been cited for traffic violations.
The players have also caused 15 accidents resulting in at least one injury, as well as property damage.
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