KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman will be compounded RM1,500 for failing to wear a mask when addressing a May 25 press conference on a light rail transit collision the night before.
Dang Wangi district police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the fine will be issued to the former Prasarana Malaysia Bhd non-executive chairman soon.
In a statement, Zainal said Tajuddin’s action was in violation of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2021.
He said the decision to issue the compound was made after the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) gave the go-ahead to police yesterday upon going through the investigation paper (IP).
“Putrajaya AGC returned our IP with a decision that (Tajuddin) be compounded RM1,500… after he failed to wear a mask during a press conference in relation to the train crash, at the KLCC LRT station.
“Police advise the public to continue adhering to all standard operating procedures that have been set by the National Security Council to combat Covid-19.”
The Pasir Salak MP also has two pending power abuse charges under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
Tajuddin initially wore a mask during his walkabout at the crash scene, but removed it and put on a face shield to address the press.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob previously announced that wearing a face shield without a mask underneath is an offence amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Police initiated a probe into the matter after video clips of Tajuddin’s press conference, showing him without a mask on, went viral on social media.
Tajuddin was sacked as Prasarana chairman on May 26 following his gaffes during the presser, with many panning him for his lackadaisical, sarcastic and apathetic responses to media queries on the LRT collision.
His decision not to address the matter immediately after the incident was also heavily criticised.
The accident sent 64 passengers to hospital. Six were reported to be in critical condition the next day.
A preliminary report from the investigation committee was submitted to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong yesterday, and will be presented at a cabinet meeting today.
The report contains findings related to the cause of the crash, as well as recommendations to avoid such incidents in the future. – The Vibes, June 9, 2021
