Lesson learnt: Neelofa accepts RM20,000 compound with an 'open heart'

PETALING JAYA: TV host-entrepreneur Neelofa has, 'with an open heart', accepted the authorities' decision to issue compounds to her and her husband for violating Covid-19 preventive measures during her wedding ceremony and honeymoon.

"I accept it with an open heart and will take the compound as a lesson to make sure that the interstate approval is properly used as agreed upon by authorities.

"It will also serve as a warning to others who are involved including myself during my wedding ceremony to always emphasize on the importance of SOP," said the celebrity, whose real name is Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor in a statement on Tuesday (April 27).

Photos of the March 27 wedding of Neelofa and Muhammad Haris Mohd Ismail - also known as PU Riz - went viral on social media and were criticised after guests breached standard operating procedure by seating closely to each other and not observing physical distancing.

The newlyweds were further criticised when they were photographed enjoying watersport activities in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, shortly after.

Neelofa apologised to all parties for the incident as it had affected the livelihoods of others.

Earlier, Dang Wangi police chief ACP Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the compound notices were issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease (Measures Within Infected Local Areas (No. 4) Regulations 2021.

Neelofa and her husband were issued with RM20,000 and RM10,000 compounds respectively while 20 of their relatives were issued compounds of RM1,500 each.

On April 4, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said that Neelofa and her husband would be called in to give their statements over viral pictures and videos of them spending time in Langkawi.

He said the images and footage uploaded on the couple's social media platforms appeared to show breaches of standard operating procedures (SOP).