BUTTERWORTH – The joy of playing mahjong, a popular activity during Chinese New Year, quickly evaporated for eight men when they were hauled up by police for partaking in a round in cramped quarters, in violation of health and safety standard operating procedures.
It is the second such case in Penang in fewer than 10 days.
The men, all aged between 54 and 60, with three being grandfathers, said they decided to play mahjong as they were bored at home.
When Seberang Prai Utara (SPU) district police, conducting a Covid-19 SOP compliance operation, found the group in Jalan Kg Paya, Raja Uda, they had just started a round.
SPU district police chief Noorzainy Mohd Noor said officers faced a hard time initially as the house where the men were found in was guarded by five dogs.
“The modus operandi of the host is to put five dogs on the premises, so that their barking will warn those inside the house of the authorities’ presence.
“We believe they have been gathering and gambling every day since CNY began.
“Although their reason was that they were bored of staying home for too long, this is no excuse for them to violate the SOPs.”
He said the men were fined RM1,000 for violating the SOPs set by the National Security Council, namely not observing social distancing and not wearing a mask.
Police seized the mahjong equipment, and brought the eight to the Butterworth police station. – The Vibes, February 18, 2021
