MELAKA: Public health is imperative for Melaka police, says the state's top cop.

       Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said his men will not be selective in taking action against any political party for violating the standard operating procedures (SOP) to curb Covid-19.

       "Our monitoring team will continue to observe developments relating to the Melaka election before taking action against those disregarding the SOP,” he said

       “For us, health and safety comes first, and we remain apolitical when executing our duties,” added DCP Abdul Majid on Thursday(Oct 28).

       DCP Abdul Majid said Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (MUDA) was issued a RM4,000 fine for violating the ban on rallies by holding a press conference.

       “There was an element of political campaign when the press conference was called on Wednesday (Oct 27),” he said.

       DCP Abdul Majid said the compound notices will be issued accordingly under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (National Recovery Plan) 2021.

       He said rallies in relation to the Melaka election are not permitted and political parties should abide by it by now.

       On Wednesday (Oct 27), Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Afzanizar Ahmad said action was taken against MUDA as the situation at the rally had made it impossible for physical distancing.

       He said the compound was issued to the organiser of the programme, who is also the media officer of Melaka MUDA.

       ACP Afzanizar said police had earlier advised the organiser to stop the press conference in accordance with the Health Ministry's ban on any election-related activities, gatherings or social gatherings effective last Monday until Nov 27.

       He said the police had summoned the organiser of the press conference to the Melaka Tengah District Police Headquarters to inform that an offence had been committed, before the compound notice was issued.

       Locals supported the move to issue compound notices to political parties that still continue to hold rallies.

       Hotelier Dennis Samford, 45, commended Melaka police for its firm stance.

       “Why must a press conference be called when statements can be easily issued,” he said.

       Businessman Lau Peck Teck,39, asked political parties to stop having large gatherings.

       “I also don’t support politicians holding press conferences in confined spaces, with large numbers of journalists and photographers. Please don’t put others at risk,” he added.