THE Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court said there were no restrictions on reporters covering the case involving Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid and her husband at the magistrates’ court yesterday.

The office, in a statement today, said there were other cases scheduled at the court where the couple’s hearing for violating the movement-control order was held.

This caused a large crowd to gather, making it difficult to enforce social distancing, said the statement.

It said the court ordered the public to leave to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines, adding that the court was unaware of the media’s presence at the time.

“Therefore, there was no issue of media personnel being barred from covering the case.

“The court always ensures that access to justice is provided to all parties, including the media.”

Journalists yesterday said they were prevented from entering the courtroom to cover the proceedings. Details of the trial were obtained from the deputy public prosecutor and defence counsel later.

Nurulhidayah, the daughter of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and her husband were fined RM800 each after pleading guilty to breaching the government directive aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19. The offence was committed on April 20. – Bernama, May 6, 2020.