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KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry will be issuing a compound to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, caretaker Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, and other guests for violation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) at an event in Johor.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said other party leaders and event organisers will also be fined under Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act).
He added that his ministry will continue to monitor SOP adherence in the run-up to the Johor polls.
According to Act 342, each offender can be fined up to RM1,000.
Earlier, Barisan Nasional held an event with its treasurer-general Hishammuddin, Johor chief Hasni and Vigneswaran at EduCity Kota Iskandar.
It was in conjunction with the launch of Johor MIC’s brigade.
In a 12-second video shared by MalaysiaGazette, the venue was seen packed with people flouting physical distancing rules, as many took out their mobile phones to film the political leaders, who made their way through the crowd.
However, the majority of the attendees were wearing masks.
Last week, the Election Commission set March 12 as polling day for the Johor election, with nomination day falling on February 26. Early voting will be held on March 8.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin acknowledged that “a wrong is a wrong”, even if it involves himself.
He welcomed any action against those failing to observe SOPs at events.
He also expressed concern that there may be programmes held in the run-up to the Johor election where the situation would not be controlled in line with requirements due to the Covid-19 situation.
He said the Election Commission (EC) would take into account such failures when monitoring for compliance with SOPs.
Referring to the event for which he has been issued a compound, he said: “As far as I am concerned, if there was a breach of SOPs this time and there is intention to take action, I would welcome it.”
“A wrong is a wrong,” he told reporters in a video clip that was later shared on his Twitter account. – The Vibes, February 13, 2022
Saya hadir sebagai tetamu dan saya terima, memang ada kelemahan dalam pematuhan SOP tadi. Tapi, salah tetap salah.
— Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) February 13, 2022
No one is above the law, including myself. This should be a lesson for us all. https://t.co/ditVwQ5cqT pic.twitter.com/qXKXXSJKgZ