Cops probe alleged MCO breach by religious affairs minister

Kajang police are investigating claims that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zulkifli Mohamad breached the movement control order (MCO).

In a statement today, Kajang police chief Mohd Zaid Hassan said they have received two reports about the matter thus far.

“Reports have been received and inquiry papers have been opened for preliminary investigations.

“For now we have only taken a statement from the complainant. We will take statements from other parties once we get instructions from Selangor police,” he said. 

Zulkifli (above), who oversees religious affairs, has been contacted for comment.

In one May 3 police report sighted by Malaysiakini, Zulkifli was said to have personally handed over replacement letters to Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) officers on March 31.

He was also alleged to have held meetings with several guests at his office “without any social distancing” on April 13 and April 14.

Zulkifli was further said to have handed over aid to Orang Asli in Terengganu and held a “kenduri” (feast) with his officers. A date for this event was not stated.

The complainant said these events were all shared on Zuklifli’s official Facebook page and urged the police to investigate the minister for breaching the MCO.

The MCO first came into effect on March 18. Under the order, essential businesses and ministerial work were among the few things allowed to carry on.

Those caught violating the order and guilty of offences under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 could be fined up to RM1,000 or jailed up to six months.

Deputy Health Minister Noor Azmi Ghazali and Perak executive councillor Razman Zakaria previously plead guilty for breaching the MCO and were fined RM1,000 each.

Following a reduction of active Covid-19 cases in the country, restrictions were eased on May 4 and a conditional MCO is currently in place.  - Mkini