Programme organisers for Najib, Muhyiddin in Melaka compounded over SOP breach
While no gathering or social event had been held by either, the organisers were fined for failing to ensure physical distancing during what has been described as walkabouts.
There was no gathering or social event related to the Melaka state election held with the involvement of former prime ministers Muhyiddin Yassin and Najib Razak, the health ministry said today.
In a statement, it said an investigation by the Melaka health department found that the recent programmes in Melaka involving Muhyiddin, who is Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, and Najib as Barisan Nasional (BN) advisory board chairman, were more of a walkabout.
However, the organisers of the programmes have been compounded in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 for failing to ensure physical distancing among attendees.
“A compound of RM20,000 was issued to Melaka PN as the organiser of the programme involving Muhyiddin, while the organiser of the programme involving Najib was issued with a compound of RM4,000.
“The compounds were issued under Regulation 16 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations (National Recovery Plan) 2021,” it said.
According to the act, organisers who fail to comply with the SOPs such as ensuring physical distancing, the wearing of face masks and providing the MySejahtera QR code for check-in, can be compounded.
The ministry issued the statement in response to the viral issue of SOP violations related to the Melaka polls involving Muhyiddin and Najib.
The ministry said it would not hesitate to issue a compound to any individual or organisation violating the SOPs set by the National Security Council.
“The health ministry, Melaka health department and the police will continue monitoring SOP compliance to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the Melaka polls.
“The ministry also advises the public to continue complying with the SOPs and playing their roles to fight Covid-19 in Malaysia,” it said.
On Oct 24, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin was reported as saying that all activities, gatherings and social events related to the Melaka polls are not allowed from Oct 25 to Nov 27 to reduce the risk of another spike of Covid-19 cases.
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