Cops probe Johor PKR lawmaker for alleged Raya visit
PKR's Bukit Batu assemblyperson Jimmy Puah is under investigation for allegedly violating movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOP) during Hari Raya.
This came after images of the Johor PKR deputy chief visiting a family and dining at the house went viral on social media.
In a statement, Seri Alam district police chief Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said Puah (above) will be probed under Section 269 of the Penal Code for a...
PKR's Bukit Batu assemblyperson Jimmy Puah is under investigation for allegedly violating movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOP) during Hari Raya.
This came after images of the Johor PKR deputy chief visiting a family and dining at the house went viral on social media.
In a statement, Seri Alam district police chief Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said Puah (above) will be probed under Section 269 of the Penal Code for a negligent act that could spread an infectious disease.
He noted that a police report was lodged after a 38-year-old man found images uploaded on social media by a Facebook owner, showing the lawmaker at the house in Ulu Tiram, Johor on the first day of Raya.
"The police are tracking down the Facebook account owner to assist the probe," Sohaimi said.
Besides Section 269 of the Penal Code, he said the cops are also investigating the case under Rule 17 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Act.
Section 269 states that whoever unlawfully does any act which the person knows is likely to spread a dangerous infection shall be punished with a jail term of up to six months or with a fine or both.
Meanwhile, Rule 17 carries a jail term of six months or a maximum fine of RM50,000.
In an immediate response, Puah denied celebrating Raya at his party colleague's house.
"I would like to stress that I am not denying I was at a house in Taman Desa Jaya at that time but the main reason for me being there was to send a donation to the representative of PKR's Wanita wing for distribution to the single mothers and other recipients.
"However, I will fully cooperate with the police in their investigation and if the investigation finds that I violated the SOP, I am willing to accept punishment and pay the appropriate fine," he said in a statement today.
While the lawmakers are not bound by the interstate and interdistrict rules in carrying out their duties, the MCO 3.0 does not allow house visit during Raya.
Politicians came under the spotlight for allegedly violating MCO rules, particularly during this festival.
Senior Minister (Security) Ismail Sabri Yaakob had urged the police to issue a compound on the spot to any SOP flouters, regardless of whether they are VIPs.
Terengganu state executive councillor (agriculture, agro-based industry, and rural development) Dr Azman Ibrahim was fined for receiving house guest.
His colleague Hanafiah Mat, who is in charge of welfare, women development, family, and national unity in the state, was fined for visiting a house during Raya.
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