Cancel compound issued to journalist on nomination day - KJ orders

KLUANG – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has ordered the compound issued against a Sin Chew Daily reporter on the allegations of violating Covid-19 SOPs, to be cancelled.

Khairy has also informed his officers to use their best discretion and not to compound journalists who are on duty during the state polls, provided they deliberately violate Covid-19 SOPs.

“I have ordered the compound to be cancelled.

“I have also informed my officers to use their best discretion and not to compound reporters when they are on duty. If they are doing their work, don’t issue compound right away, warn them first,’’ he said during a press conference during a working visit at the Simpang Renggam Covid Assessment Centre here earlier today.

This follows after a Sin Chew Daily journalist Wong Kian Yong was issued RM1,000 fine for allegedly failing to observe social distancing rules while he was getting details from an election candidate on nomination day last Saturday.

Khairy however also stressed that he has told his ministry officials to step up enforcement of Covid-19 SOPs and to fine any parties or political personas that failed to comply during the state election.

“I have also told my officers to fine whichever party or personalities, no matter who they are,’’ he said.

The Election Commission has set March 8 as early polling while March 12 as polling day for the Johor state election.