NLD: Zuraida's cycling event not a 'fun ride', no SOPs breached

 

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin's programme involving a cycling activity at Bukit Kiara Federal Park, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday was not a "fun ride", said the National Landscape Department (NLD).

The clarification came after netizens lambasted the Ampang MP for the alleged flouting of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) after she shared pictures of her flagging off the ride on Facebook.

The event was called "Program Malaysia Prihatin Norma Baharu Berekreasi".

In a statement uploaded on Facebook yesterday, the NLD stated that the cycling activity held that day was not open to the public and was also not a competition.

"There were 30 cycling participants comprising employees from the department and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp)," the statement read.

It added that the participants had their temperatures scanned before entering the park and other SOPs such as social distancing measures were also complied with. 

There were also other exercise activities other than cycling. It took note of the SOP that a group activity must be done with a maximum capacity of 50 percent of the area's size.

The duration of the exercise activity, it said, was shortened to prevent the risk of infection among participations.

Large gatherings including sports activities such as marathons, fun rides and fun walks are not allowed during the movement control order period, according to the National Security Council. 

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh criticised the event, saying that while de facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said it's not safe for Parliament to convene as some MPs are senior citizens, it appeared okay for them to organise a big event elsewhere.

"The law minister gave excuses on why meeting in Parliament is not safe for MPs who are senior citizens but ministers like this one saw it fit to organise such a big programme where officers and civil servants will be mobilised to ensure its success?" she asked. 

In a sarcastic tone, Yeoh said the event took place in her constituency but she was not invited. - Mkini