Stop the cyberbullying, health officer was just doing his job, says Cuepacs

 

Last week, the Sri Maulana Mosque in Pekan was slapped with a RM10,000 compound fine for violating Covid-19 SOPs. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Cyberbullying of a government officer who issued a RM10,000 compound fine to a mosque in Pekan must stop, says Cuepacs.

Adnan Mat, the president of the umbrella body for civil services unions, said the bullying had gone out of control and affected the personal life of the officer, who was merely carrying out his duties as a government officer.

He said the mosque was fined for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“The online criticism has disrupted the working life of civil servants like Pekan district health officer Zulharnan Rashid from discharging their duties effectively.

“We initially wanted to allow the officer, his department and mosque committee to resolve this issue.

“However, things have gone out of control after wrong information (over the issue) was disseminated, with Zulharnan taking all the blame,” he said in a statement.

The summons issued to the mosque in Pekan for violating the Covid-19 SOPs.

Earlier this week, the Sri Maulana Mosque Committee in Pekan was slapped with a RM10,000 compound fine for failing to provide the MySejahtera QR Code and congregation registration book when health officers made a spot check last Saturday.

Pahang health director Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah later said the mosque was given a 50% discount and needed to pay only RM5,000 as the fine. The committee was given two weeks to settle the fine.

This action had resulted in netizens attacking the officer and the government, calling the action “inhumane and unfair”.

Adnan called on the health ministry, state health department and the Pekan district Covid-19 task force chief to provide a proper explanation to clear Zurharnan’s name.

“The online attacks hurled against Zulharnan have violated his personal life and space and affected the morale of government officers,” he added.

He said the summons was issued with the agreement of various heads of department, including the district kadi.

He said this decision was taken in view of positive Covid-19 cases involving those attending prayers at the mosque. Instead of fining all those who failed to register themselves individually, it was decided to fine the mosque instead. - FMT