PH debut ceramah for Johor polls fined RM3,000 for Covid-19 SOP breach
Dzulkefly Ahmad (centre right) tried to rationalise with health authorities on the fines however were unsuccessful.- Photo Sinar Daily
Public health officials fined the organiser for failing to provide a clear entry and exit way for attendees to scan their MySejahtera, speakers at the event failing to wear masks during their speech and failing to observe social distancing rules.
The event in question held Taman Mutiara Rini here last night was PH's debut ceramah for the Johor state election.
The event was held outside of the Kota Iskandar PH operations centre, with some 50 people in attendance.
Speaking at the ceramah was Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Johor DAP chief and Perling candidate Liew Chin Tong, Muda secretary general and candidate for Puteri Wangsa Amira Aisya, and Johor Amanah deputy chief and candidate for Kota Iskandar Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Prior to the compound being issued, Dzulkefly was seen discussing with several public health enforcement officers on the alleged offences.
Dzulkefly stated that the authorities were not being fair in their assessment of the event and that SOPs were not clear.
"The set SOPs were not clear. You could have informed us much earlier than this," he said.
After 15 minutes of deliberations, Dzulkefly who seem annoyed by the situation had left the scene before one of the organisers were issued with a fine of RM1,000 each.
Earlier yesterday, a Muda ceramah in Bukit Permai was also stopped by the health authorities for allegedly breaching Covid-19 SOP.
Muda central executive committee member Dr Mayhem Nair said in a statement yesterday that the health authorities had to stop their ceramah due to a technical matter.
"Permit secured and we had the physical copy. They wanted to stop the ceramah because we had it at the office compound instead of inside the office building.
"When we argued that the rented building premises obviously includes the compound, they then proceeded to enquire if we had a lease for the office which we of course did but we do not see the relevance.
"We adhered to all SOP, gave notice to authorities and obtained all necessary permits and yet repeatedly we are persecuted when other political parties are able to have large scale gatherings," he said.
According to SOPs issued by the EC, ceramahs, physical campaigning and house-to-house visits are not allowed during the Johor election campaign.
Ceramahs and campaigns are only allowed at political party offices and official operations rooms with participation limited to 100 people and five for house-to-house visits.
Polling day is set for March 12, nominations on Feb 26 and early voting on March 8.
