Cops deny viral video of motorcyclist fined for not wearing face mask

Police have denied a viral video claiming that a motorcyclist was fined for not wearing a face mask as part of the newly enforced regulations beginning Aug 1 after a recent surge in new Covid-19 cases.

PDRM Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) deputy director Mohd Nadzri Hussain in a statement said the viral video was recorded on June 12 last year during an operation along the Federal Highway that saw 227 motorcyclists fined for not using their dedicated lane.

"JSPT urges the public to stop sharing any unverified video or news on social media.

"Stern action will be taken against any individual found to continue sensationalising the issue which is clearly aimed at sparking public unrest," he said.

On a related matter, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Mazlan Mansor said beyond a standard operating procedure set by the National Security Council, police will exercise their discretion in issuing the RM1,000 compound for non-compliance to the requirement on wearing a face mask.

"If we see there are elements that allow us to take action, we will issue a compound.

"This we have to use our discretion, our common sense. For example in a restaurant, the cook and waiters must wear a mask," Mazlan said during a press conference at Petaling Jaya district police station.

"This is a subjective question, case to case basis, beyond what has been explained," said Mazlan, referring to Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's statement in parliament today.

Since Saturday, questions have been raised over perceived ambiguity surrounding the enforcement of the face mask rule.

Among others, a Twitter thread that questioned a compound issued to a woman who forgot to wear a mask upon exiting her car was shared over 1,000 times.

When asked on concerns raised over the police action, Mazlan insisted he was unable to comment on specific cases but noted that police personnel on the ground would have exercised their discretion in determining actions taken.

Ismail earlier reiterated that it is compulsory to wear a face mask in public vehicles such as bus, taxi, e-hailing car, LRT and KTM, as well as in congested public places.

Congested public places include night markets, supermarkets, wet markets, cinemas, and tourist attractions.

The government has announced stricter enforcement of existing standard operating procedures beginning Aug 1 after the rate of new Covid-19 infections saw an upward trend, including detection of several new clusters and Sarawak returning as a red zone.

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