KULAI: Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Bukit Permai candidate Azrol Rahani was slapped with a RM1,000 compound for giving a fist-bump to a supporter on nomination day on Saturday (Feb 26).

       Azrol, who was also Johor Muda chief, said that he received the compound from the Kulai district health office at about 6.30pm on the same day.

       "According to the health department, I had failed to maintain physical distance (hand touching), which is an offence under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

       "The hand touch referred to was a fist-bump that I gave a supporter outside of the nomination centre," he said in a press conference here in Kulai on Monday (Feb 28).

       He added that the authorities received a complaint from the public following a social media post of the candidate giving the fist-bump.

       "I have given my fullest cooperation to the authorities. I would also like to apologise to the health department for the trouble I have caused," he said, adding that Muda would pay the fines as soon as possible.

       However, his campaign manager Amos Thien said that it was unfair for Azrol to receive the compound for just a "normal" fist-bump with a supporter.

       He also claimed that the offence was not listed in the list of standard operating procedures (SOP) that were given by the authorities.

       "The authorities need to be clear when it comes to the SOP. There was no mention of a fist-bump being an offence under the SOP that we received.

       "They also have to be fair as there have been leaders from other parties who were seen being surrounded by a large group, which is an obvious offence. However, they did not receive any compounds.

       "This is unfair for us, as we have been following the SOP very closely since day one," he said.

       He urged the authorities to be fair to all parties and be transparent when giving out any compounds.