Malaysia

Probe opened into Dr Mahathir’s Covid-19 SOP violation

District cop chief says investigation needed to determine if ex-PM was indeed negligent

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 13 May 2021 9:08AM

Probe opened into Dr Mahathir’s Covid-19 SOP violation
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reportedly violated Covid-19 SOPs when he visited his constituency for several events to distribute Ramadan aid – an offence he admitted to and apologised for on Tuesday. – EPA pic, May 13, 2021

by Ian McIntyre

LANGKAWI – An investigation paper has been opened after Langkawi MP and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad violated the health standard operating procedures (SOPs) during one of his visits to his constituency early this month.

Dr Mahathir yesterday admitted and apologised for not adhering to the SOPs, but Langkawi district police head Shariman Ashari said an investigation needs to be carried out to determine if there was negligence.

A video clip has been widely shared showing Dr Mahathir failing to scan the MySejahtera QR code and undergo a temperature check before entering a surau at Kuala Teriang.

Shariman said the investigation will be conducted in accordance with Section 269 of the Penal Code and Regulation 16 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures) in Local Areas of Infection 2021.

About a week ago, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was found guilty of violating the SOPs while dining at a chicken rice shop in Kuala Lumpur.

He has since paid the RM3,000 fine for two violations – not scanning the MySejahtera code and not having his temperature checked before entering the premises.

“I and the commoners will be investigated by the police and fined by the government. If government ministers were the one breaching SOPs, I don’t know lah,” he posted on Facebook after being compounded. – The Vibes, May 13, 2021

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