LEDANG: A total of 42 compounds were issued for various offences committed during the Johor election campaigning period, including five to former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

       Health Minister Khairy Jama-luddin said out of the total, 13 compounds have been settled.

       “We had issued five compounds to Najib but only one was successfully handed over to his officer on March 8.

       “However, his aides did not want to accept the other four compounds.

       “I think I have to hand it over to him personally,” Khairy said when met by reporters after visiting the Bukit Gambir health clinic here yesterday.

       The minister said he hoped all political parties would extend their cooperation and continue to adhere to the SOP.

       “Based on our observation so far, it has been well. I hope this will continue until polling day,” he said.

       Polling is tomorrow.

       “Most importantly, we want voters to feel safe to go out and vote.

       “I also hope all contesting candidates will continue to observe the SOP, including physical distancing during their walkabouts.

       “I understand it is hard. That is why I told our enforcement officers to use their discretion,” he said.

       On a separate matter, Khairy said they are looking into a separate SOP for periodic travellers who need to commute daily for work across the country’s borders.

       “I will announce a refined SOP for periodic travellers next week.

       “Perhaps they will have to undergo a test each week.

       “It will be hard if they are required to do a test daily as they have to pay for it,” he said.

       According to the ministry’s latest protocol, normal travellers are required to undergo a RT-PCR test two days before departure or RTK-AG professional two days before departure if the traveller is infected with Covid-19 within 60 days of departure.