KUALA LUMPUR: An MP today raised the issue of having 'double standards' in compounds issued for violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The matter was raised by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Independent-Muar) who questioned the RM3,000 fine imposed on a foreign woman who tried to enter business premises without wearing a face mask, while others have been fined much higher amounts prior to this.
"Why I raise this issue is because when there was a young man who only took off his face mask for a short period of time, he was fined RM10,000.
"Malay traders in rural areas have been fined RM50,000. I know the government will say, Syed Saddiq, this is the (provision under the) law, we are no longer in an Emergency," he said.
While debating the Supply Bill 2022 in the Dewan Rakyat today, Syed Saddiq also questioned the alleged 'double standard policy' for the Melaka State Election, as he claimed that the top brass from Perikatan Nasional could campaign openly in large-scale programmes, with no action taken against them.
He claimed that members of Parti Ikatan Demokratik Rakyat Malaysia (Muda), on the other hand, were fined RM4,000 after holding an 'SOP-compliant' press conference which only involved five members of the party, which has yet to be formally registered.
A total of 12 MPs took part on the first day of the debate on Budget 2022 which was tabled by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz on Friday.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Nov 01 2021

Syed Saddiq today raised the issue of having 'double standards' in compounds issued for violations of SOPs set by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. - Jabatan Penerangan photo

China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.

Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.

Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.

UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.

Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.

More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.

Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.

Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream [COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.

Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.

Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.

US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.

Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.

Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.

China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.

Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.

Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.

Trump and Musk target tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators for job cuts
Concerns grow over transparency, oversight, and Musk's influence on government operations.