KUALA LUMPUR: Police have opened an investigation paper (IP) against Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid and her husband for allegedly flouting the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the IP was opened by the Classified Criminal Investigations Department (D5) after Nurul Hidayah, who is the daughter of Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, posted a picture of herself meeting several ministers on Instagram recently.
"This case will be investigated under Section 269 of the Penal Code for committing a negligent act likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life as well as Rule 3(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulation 2020 for travelling without consent," said Huzir in a statement today.
The two offences carries a six-month jail term and/or fine upon conviction; and a RM1,000 fine or six month imprisonment, upon conviction.
Yesterday, Berita Harian reported that police recorded statements from Nurulhidayah and her husband, Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff in Bukit Aman. This had followed a few photos uploaded on Nurulhidayah's social media which showed her meetings with the well-known figures.
In one photo on social media, the accompanying caption read: " Selepas selesai dengan YB Menteri Hal Ehwal Agama, kami ke Kementerian Alam Sekitar untuk berjumpa YB Datuk Masrizal, Timbalan Menteri untuk bertukar tukar pendapat dan cadangan adalah cara saya and YB Datuk Dr Masrizal sejak dulu menjadi setiausaha politik kepada abah @AhmadZahidHamidi tidak berapa lama dahulu. A dear friend to our family." (After we met the religious affairs minister, we went to the environment ministry to meet Datuk Masrizal, the deputy minister. We exchanged ideas and held a discussion, which has been YB Datuk Dr Masrizal's and my way (of doing things) since the days when he had been my father @AhmadZahidHamidi's political secretary. A dear friend to our family).
On separate issue, Huzir said the police have never barred an Islamic preacher, popularly known as Ustaz Ebit Lew, from carrying out charity works to help the needy.
He said Lew had obtained consent from the police to deliver contributions to those who were affected by the MCO.
Lew had been known for uploading his acts of charitable work on social media until yesterday, when he took to social media to declare that he would stop helping people 'directly' and instead channel funds to the needy from his home.
He said he had been called up by police to give a statement.
Clarifying the case, Huzir said action had to be taken as there were segments of people who were uneasy with Lew's acts.
"No IP was opened against him so far. The reason Lew was called was in response to the reactions of the public upon seeing him putting his charitable activities on social media and the press during the MCO.
"It received positive feedback, but there were also those who were uneasy with it.
"It was seen as if he wanted to show off. This controversy had forced us to take appropriate action to ensure that the peace and wellbeing of the community is preserved," said Huzir.
However, he stressed that no one was exempted from legal action if they violated the law during the MCO.
Huzir confirmed that both Nurul Hidayah and Lew had their statements recorded yesterday (Friday) and once their respective investigations were completed, the IPs will be referred to the Attorney-General's Chamber.
He advised the people against causing anger and creating negative perceptions among the society as if the police would not take action against those who flouted the MCO regulations.
"We would like to reiterate that no one will escape action if they are found to have breached the laws of the country," said Huzir.