DISPUTES between police and the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is causing unreasonable disruptions to aid distribution efforts, said Klang MP Charles Santiago.

Charles, who was today questioned by cops for alleged breach of the movement-control order (MCO), called it a “clash of egos” and that police are being high-handed.

He said the men in blue are going to “extra lengths to make things even more challenging than they already are”.

“(Now is) not the time to flex muscles. It really doesn’t have to be this difficult.”

Charles said police told him a police permit is required to distribute aid – which was refuted by JKM.

He said a recent circular for lawmakers did not mention that MPs and assemblymen need to get permission from JKM.

Still, he said his team always informed JKM of their distribution work and did so again for their plans to distribute food on Monday, April 27.

However, the distribution was held a day earlier on Sunday at Dewan Orang Ramai Taman Klang Utama, where around 600 people, more than the anticipated number, turned up.

Charles was accused of breaching the MCO as a result and was also told by police at the scene that he needed a police permit.

“I am stumped. We have distributed groceries and vegetables to 10,500 families since the start of the MCO in March.

“Now (we have been) told that even vegetables cannot be distributed.

“There is a clash of egos between JKM and the police, with the boys in blue uniform insisting that a police permit is essential.”

He also said the distribution had to be held a day earlier instead of the date approved by JKM as it involved farm produce from Cameron Highlands, which arrived earlier than expected.

“This was effectively communicated to JKM, who said they can’t make Rela (officers) available at such short notice and was informed that our volunteers would be there.”

Charles said his team of volunteers were able to control the crowd and follow protocols such as temperature checks and ensuring the use of hand sanitiser by those who came for the food aid, as well as physical distancing and the use of masks and gloves.

Police should be welcoming efforts of MPs and civil societies in distributing food to ensure people’s needs are met during the MCO, he said.

“But unfortunately, the authorities seem to be throwing obstacles our way and it makes me wonder why. 

“Is this high-handedness by the police really necessary? Shouldn’t they be helping us instead?” 

He urged police and JKM to agree on the protocols required, instead of “flexing their muscles unnecessarily”.

“More than that, I wish the people in power and authority will just let us get on with our work in serving the people that voted for us.” – April 28, 2020.