THE Health Ministry has fined the organisers of the 100 Hari Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia event RM1,000 for breach of standard operating procedure (SOP).

The event to commemorate the incumbent government’s 100 days in office – held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from December 9-12 – has attracted thousands of people.

It was organised by the shared prosperity delivery unit (Sepadu) in the Prime Minister’s Department and opened by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said government events should set a good example for the people.

“The event was supposed to showcase the 100 days achievement of the ministries and the agencies involved but instead it has been tainted by the organisers’ failure in ensuring compliance to SOP and the lack of adherence among attendees to the stipulated SOP,” he said in a statement.

“Official government events such as this one should have set a good precedent and yardstick to other agencies including civil society groups and the public, not just from the aspect of implementation of the programme but also in terms of compliance to the stipulated rules and regulations,” he added.

Khairy said he was disappointed, given that the organisers had pledged to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of SOP.

He said the crowded space, lack of physical distancing and control on the number of visitors increased the risk of Covid-19 infection.

He said a RM1,000 compound was issued under Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) for the lack of physical distancing and congestion.

He added that since the Emergency Ordinance was no longer in effect, the maximum compound that can be issued to individuals and organisations was RM1,000.

He said the ministry will continue to monitor the programme and will not hesitate to impose another fine if the organisers fail to comply with SOP once again.

“We must keep up with the standards we have imposed on the people,” he said.

He added that the police and Road and Transport Department’s counters to pay discounted summons at KLCC would be closed this evening.

Details on the payment and discounts of the summons can be obtained from the police.

Photos of the event have raised concerns among various quarters including consultant paediatrician Dr Amar Singh HSS.

“Dear @KKMPutrajaya, @Khairykj. This frightening event makes all the prevention messages and work of the past two years of no avail. As though we have learnt nothing. A Delta and Omicron super spreader event,” he tweeted.

Yesterday, Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan had also questioned the lack of SOP at the event.

“There are just too many people gathered here at KLCC Convention Centre to celebrate the government’s 100-day achievement.

“This is celebrated on a big scale and the turnout is even bigger than expected. There is no physical distancing (observed here) as people have packed the hall and they are standing in proximity,” he had said. – December 10, 2021.