PLANTATION Industries and Commodities Minister Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali could face a heftier punishment for violating his quarantine if police investigations find him culpable, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail Sabri said the case is being investigated by police following a public outcry after the minister was only fined RM1,000 by the Health Ministry for violating a quarantine order after his return from Turkey.

On Sunday, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said PAS lawmaker Khairuddin was being investigated for breaking his quarantine.

Ismail said today police should be given time and space to complete their investigations.

“For the case to be brought to court, it must be first investigated by the police.

“The IP (investigation paper) must then be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action,” the senior minister said.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said Khairuddin’s case should be left to the authorities and that proper procedures should be adhered to.

“So, let the police investigate. We hand it over to them,” said Ismail Sabri, who is also defence minister, at his bi-weekly Covid-19 press conference in Parliament today.

Khairuddin, who is also the Kuala Nerus MP, attended Parliament and events in his constituency after returning from Turkey.

DAP lawmaker Teresa Kok brought this to light in Parliament last week.

Khairuddin apologised to Malaysians following the outcry and said he will donate four months’ salary to the government’s Covid-19 fund as atonement for his wrongdoing.

On allegations that Khairuddin’s family members had also followed him to Turkey when Malaysians were barred from travelling overseas, Ismail Sabri said he was unsure if the minister had visited Turkey alone, or with other people.

“I only know about the minister. Whoever followed him, I’m not sure,” Ismail said.

Khairuddin last week said that he had been tested three times since returning from Turkey and that all results came back negative. – August 25, 2020.