SIMPANG RENGGAM: The RM1,000 compound notice for flouting Covid-19 SOPs that was issued to a reporter on Saturday (Feb 26) has been cancelled, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       The Health Minister said he scrutinised the matter after reading several news reports and found that the reporter did not commit any offence.

       "I told the enforcement officers that if journalists are doing their jobs, just give a fair warning first," he said during a press conference after visiting the Simpang Renggam Covid-19 assessment centre on Sunday (Feb 27).

       Khairy reminded members of the press to always abide by SOPs to keep Covid-19 at bay.

       "I've also told my guys to stop issuing compound notices to journalists who are working," added Khairy.

       Khairy also said that he has urged health enforcement officers to exercise discretion when issuing compounds during campaigns in the Johor state election.

       "For example, people might want to take selfies with leaders and in that moment, officers must use their discretion. I've told my enforcement officers to exercise discretion on whether there's a need to issue compounds," said Khairy.

       It was reported that a Sin Chew Daily journalist covering the nomination process at Dewan JKR Johor Bahru - which was a nomination centre for the Larkin state seat - was slapped with a RM1,000 compound notice on Saturday (Feb 26) morning.

       Meanwhile, another video editor from a local news portal was given a final warning for allegedly flouting Covid-19 SOPs at the same location.

       Khairy also urged health enforcement officers to exercise discretion when issuing compound notices during campaigns in the Johor state election.

       "For example, people might want to take selfies with leaders and in that moment, officers must use their discretion.

       "I've told my enforcement officers to exercise discretion on whether there's a need to issue compound notices," said Khairy.