Organiser of Melaka event attended by Ismail Sabri fined for rule violations

MELAKA • The organiser of an event in Melaka, which was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has been slapped with a RM20,000 (S$6,500) fine.

According to a Jasin district health officer, the fine was issued to the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition's polling centre chief yesterday for failing to ensure social distancing during a meet-and-greet function at a restaurant in the Selandar ward.

"Yes, that's all I can say," said the Jasin district health officer, who wanted to remain anonymous.

Datuk Seri Ismail arrived at the restaurant at around noon, where he was received by about 60 supporters, who are from BN and his Umno party.

This is the first visit to the state by the Premier since campaigning for the Melaka election started last Monday. Mr Ismail was well-received by local residents, many of whom mobbed him for selfies.

Prior to Mr Ismail's arrival, former prime minister and ex-Umno president Najib Razak had also met locals at the same restaurant.

Many of the locals also flocked around Najib and requested to take pictures with him.

Local reporters attempted to approach the BN polling centre chief, but he refused to divulge any details. "If I say anything, then I'll be fined again," he said briefly, before leaving the restaurant.

Politicians have descended on Melaka and attended various events, despite a ban on political gatherings to prevent a fresh wave of Covid-19 cases.

Political rallies, walkabouts and distribution of pamphlets directly to the public are not allowed.

The federal government imposed the restrictions in the interest of public health, after the Sabah state election in September last year triggered a surge in Covid-19 infections.

The only form of physical campaigning allowed is the use of loudspeakers from vehicles at fixed times and with a police permit.

Voters will go to the polls on Saturday to elect representatives to the 28 seats in the Melaka state legislative assembly.

Melaka has 495,195 registered voters, with 71.6 per cent of them aged between 21 and 59.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK