ALOR SETAR: Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (pic) has paid the RM1,500 fine for test-driving a car at Autocity Juru, Penang, during movement restriction.

       His special officer Helmi Khalid said an officer from the Mentri Besar’s office paid the amount at the Kota Setar Health Department upon receiving the police compound on Sunday.

       He also shared a picture showing the fine being paid at the Inspectorate Division of the department located behind Hospital Alor Setar in Lebuhraya Darulaman here.

       The fine came about after social media was abuzz with photos of several people, including Sanusi, involved in a test-drive of a pick-up truck at a car showroom in Autocity Juru on June 5.

       Central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Shafee Abd Samad then launched an investigation over claims that standard operating procedure had been breached.

       Under movement restriction, car showrooms are not allowed to operate.

       The case was investigated under Section 269 of the Penal Code and Regulation 17 (1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act.

       Although Sanusi maintained that he was innocent, he said he was ready to face the consequences.

       He claimed that the incident had taken place “by chance” when he was on his way to Kuala Lumpur for a meeting.

       He said he had stopped to buy bread and water at a RM2 shop in Juru Autocity when he chanced upon a Ford showroom next door and struck up a conversation with a salesman there.

       He then took up the salesman’s offer to go on a short drive in the pick-up truck before leaving for Kuala Lumpur.

       Helmi said the Mentri Besar’s office also paid the RM1,500 fine for the salesman.