KUALA LUMPUR – Batu MP P. Prabakaran has been summoned by police for questioning for meeting up with guests undergoing mandatory quarantine at Istana Hotel on May 30.
In a Whatsapp conversation with The Vibes, the country’s youngest lawmaker said he will be present to answer police inquiries at the Dang Wangi Police Headquarters at 10am tomorrow.
Police are investigating the matter pursuant to Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, he added.
“They (police) just called me and said they want to take a statement on why I went there (to Istana Hotel) and how I am helping (the guests).”
Section 233 of the Act prohibits the improper use of network facilities or services.
Prabakaran said he is confused as to why police are investigating the matter under this section of the law, adding that his lawyer will be present during the questioning.
On May 29, The Vibes was alerted that guests, who are undergoing mandatory quarantine at Istana Hotel after returning from India, are being harassed by government officials after failing to pay for an extra seven-day stay.
Among the claims include a government personnel snatching away the phone of a man, and threatening a 68-year-old woman with police detention if she refuses to comply.
It is understood that the guests were initially required to undergo a 14-day isolation.
However, due to the mutation of the Covid-19 virus in India, the Health Ministry required guests returning from the South Asian nation to be quarantined for 21 days.
On May 30, Prabakaran inquired into the matter, speaking to guests – who aired out their complaints – at the hotel lobby via Zoom. – The Vibes, June 5, 2021
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