‘Pink tag’ pranks are not amusing

Stern action to be taken on those sporting pink wristbands for fun

Action could be taken against pranksters sporting pink wristbands to scare the public, warned Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Those placed under quarantine must wear pink wristbands for 14 days.

“It is wrong for those under quarantine to linger outside, and it is also wrong to pull a prank using the pink wristband to scare others,” he said.

A social media personality recently created a stir when he uploaded a video showing him wearing a “pink tag” while eating at a restaurant.

It turned out the tag was fake. He was roundly scolded by commentators for pulling such a prank and being insensitive to the current situation where the country is fighting the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He later apologised, saying he had made the video “for fun”. He also explained the video took place in a staged setting, with his friends acting as customers.

On another issue, Ismail said illegal migrants without documents are still being smuggled into the country despite recovery movement control order (MCO) operations by authorities.

In his daily update on the recovery MCO yesterday, the Defence Minister said 64 illegal migrants and one human trafficker were arrested.

“On Sept 21, Ops Benteng managed to haul up 64 illegal migrants, one human trafficker and five vehicles.

“Ten illegal migrants without documents were arrested in Bandar Penawar, Johor by the Royal Armor First Regiment,” said Ismail.

He said that between May 1 to now, 5,992 illegal migrants and 283 human traffickers were arrested.

Ismail also said that on Sept 21, 36 people were remanded for recovery MCO offences while 100 more were issued with compounds.

“Among the offences were 43 offenders involved in activities which made it difficult for physical distancing and 26 not wearing face masks,” he said.

Others include migrants without documentation, pub and night club activities, as well as failure to prepare facilities to record details of customers.

On another matter, Ismail said sports premises can now operate until 2am.

Previously, sports venues, including futsal courts, were allowed to operate only until midnight.

Ismail said they allowed the time to be extended for another two hours, as people usually throng the places after Maghrib or Isya prayers at night.

“But all parties including players and building management and others present must strictly follow the standard operating procedure,” he said.