Veteran singer Jamal Abdillah has apologised for the June 24 "durian feast" incident which allegedly violated the movement control order (MCO) SOPs.
Jamal said he did not want to set a bad example for the public.
“I apologise to all Malaysians. I want to apologise as I should have been aware of the SOPs and the current situation in the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I hope the community at large does not emulate my mistake," he was quoted as saying in Harian Metro today.
Jamal, 62, was pictured in circulated photos and videos, eating durian and taking part in karaoke at a farm in Kampung Poh, Bidor, Perak last Friday.
The action allegedly violates the SOP of the ongoing MCO 3.0.
Tapah police chief Wan Azharuddin Wan Ismail was quoted by Utusan Online as saying that all those believed to be involved in the social gathering at a farm in Bidor on June 24 will be called in the near future.
At the same time, Jamal, whose full name is Jamal Ubaidillah Mohd Ali, explained that he was at the village to get fertiliser for his fish pond business in Bukit Merah.
He said in order to please his friends he accepted their invitation to join them.
“However, it just so happens to be durian season at the moment and my friends, who have orchards there, invited me to eat durian.
“I didn’t want to upset them and have them consider me arrogant. So, I stopped by for a moment to respond to their invitation.
“There were karaoke sets provided there. While eating, I sang a song because I ate for free and I felt like I wouldn't be sporting if I didn't entertain them with a song, even though I'm not a karaoke fan," he said.
The singer who burst onto the scene by winning the Bintang RTM competition in 1979 and also starred in the 1984 movie Azura, said that he has friends all over Bidor, Tapah and Gopeng who own durian orchards.
“It is also difficult to avoid because your friends’ feelings need to be taken care of. It's definitely wrong from all aspects.
“Regardless, I gave my statement at the Tapah police station yesterday afternoon and this matter is under investigation.
"I gave an honest statement and there is nothing to hide. The police have already visited the scene to conduct an investigation," he said, adding that he will leave it to the authorities to decide what fine to impose on him.
Jamal also explained that the inter-state travel permission letter was granted on the basis that his Arowana fishes needed to be monitored and fed.
"If left without food, these fish will surely die. I myself usually buy fish food in Kuala Lumpur and some other locations to be sent there,” he said.
Jamal shared that he also did charity work while he was in Bukit Merah.
The singer donated 200 kitchen essentials for asnaf (recipients of zakat assistance) and orphans as well as residents of Parit Haji Aman village, Bagan Serai Perak on June 26. - Mkini
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