JOHOR BARU: There is no double standard in the handling of cases involving VIPs’ violations of Covid-19 standard operating procedure, says Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
“There have been comments disputing our actions and questioning why investigation papers are opened in cases involving VIPs while ordinary people are receiving compounds directly.
“Compounds are issued when we detect the violations during police operations,” he said.
As for allegations of violations by VIPs that are circulated on social media, he said the police would have to verify whether these viral postings were indeed genuine.
On the SOP violation case involving Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Comm Ayob said: “We will call up the MP, the two women seen in the photos, believed to be his family members, as well as the owner of the homestay where the photo was believed to have been taken.”
In the viral image, Mohd Rashid, who is Batu Pahat MP, was seen seated at a table with three others, without physical distancing.
Mohd Rashid’s aide Mohd Zaihan Mohd Zainal issued a statement on Friday, saying that the Batu Pahat MP was dining with his wife and a daughter at a homestay while waiting for a midnight Hari Raya Aidiladha sacrificial programme.
“The ritual took place at a slaughter house in Rengit, Batu Pahat, which operates 24 hours and is in line with government SOP.
“It was scheduled for 3am so the family booked a homestay near the abattoir,” he said, adding that they had not violated any SOP.
Comm Ayob said the investigation paper in this case was sent to the Attorney General’s office on July 14.
