BARISAN Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the coalition’s Malacca chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh have been slapped with a RM10,000 fine each for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) during the state polls.

In a statement, the Health Ministry (MOH) said that the compound was issued to the duo after they had breached the SOP by making house visits despite rules against it, and also for not wearing masks in the incident that took place on November 19.

“An investigation conducted by the MOH found that there had been a breach of SOP during the election period in Malacca by the two individuals on November 19 in the Masjid Tanah area.

“One compound under Regulation 16 P.U (A) 293/2021, Prevention & Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures in Local Areas of Infection (National Recovery Plan) Regulations 2021 worth RM10,000 for each individual was issued.

“The compound was issued following a breach of SOP (for the) prevention of Covid-19 implemented for the state election of the 15th Malacca state assembly, where they carried out house-to-house campaigning activities as well as not wearing face masks,” the ministry said in the statement today.

Prior to the Malacca polls, the Election Commission (EC) said that ceramah, public speeches and physical campaigns were not allowed during the Malacca state elections.

According to EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh, all the SOP had been approved by the health ministry.

The ministry said the SOP were implemented in these elections to prevent the spread of the virus and also to ensure that the election was conducted smoothly.

The ministry urged everyone to continue to follow the SOP, adding that they would not hesitate to issue compounds to those who breach them.

“MOH will continue to monitor compliance with SOP and will not hesitate to issue compounds to individuals or organisations that violate them,” the ministry said.

In the Malacca polls yesterday, BN secured a landslide victory, winning 21 of 28 seats it contested, thus giving them a two-thirds majority.

BN’s rivals Pakatan Harapan won five seats and Perikatan Nasional won two. – November 21, 2021.