KUALA LUMPUR:Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin emphasised today that there is no practice of double standards in complying with COVID-19 quarantine orders.

The prime minister said he himself and his ministers are not exempted from adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Health Ministry in this matter.

“I, as the prime minister, am not exempted from complying with the SOPs. This is the second time that I am observing home quarantine since the pandemic hit the country. I must comply with the rules,” he said in a special address to the nation over television and Facebook on the latest COVID-19 situation in the country.

Muhyiddin said observing the home quarantine along with him are seven ministers and six deputy ministers. All of them had attended a meeting, chaired by Muhyiddin, where a minister was later found to be COVID-19 positive.

“They (the ministers and deputy ministers) must comply with the rules. Action can be taken against them for breaching the rules,” said the prime minister.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri has said he is the minister who had tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to hospital.

Muhyiddin said COVID-19 can infect anyone for the disease does not differentiate between status and position and that the SOPs must be adhered to by everyone.

He also said that observing quarantine at home does not prevent him from discharging his daily official duties in the new normal, including holding video sessions with ministers and senior government officers in managing the pandemic.

“As the head of government, I closely monitor developments in the area of COVID-19 cases. I will make important decisions to contain the virus and stop it from spreading in our community.

“This includes implementing the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order or TEMCO in areas identified as red zones,” he said.

Muhyiddin said all decisions taken, especially through the National Security Council (MKN), on the management of COVID-19 are based on data and facts gathered through authentic sources.

In this respect, he said, he hoped that the people will not easily panic and come to their own conclusions regarding the situation the country is facing now, including believing the fake news being circulated.

“I know that many out there want to give your opinions to the government on the management of COVID-19 because all of you are concerned. Some of you have sent me personal messages. Some of you have made comments on social media.

“I most welcome all your views. I pay attention to everything. We discuss the good suggestions at the MKN special meetings,” he said.

-- BERNAMA