An offence to conceal at-risk family members: Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry warned yesterday that those who conceal family members who have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus clusters from the authorities will face stern action.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, said this latest action is to send out a clear and stern message to those who continue harbouring highrisk individuals who have been exposed.
“We are into the second week of the movement control order (MCO) and this is our first warning,” he said at a press conference after a meeting with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador and other police top brass at Bukit Aman yesterday.
“Those who know of family members, who were exposed to the clusters, such as the tabligh event, and have not disclosed this to us will face severe action. They should come forward and get themselves tested for the virus. We are not going to arrest them, we just want them to get tested.”
He said although the police have identified about 10,000 people, who attended the tabligh even at a mosque in Sri Petaling, there are still an undetermined number who have yet to come forward.
The authorities are focusing on the tabligh event cluster as those who got infected there make up to more than 50% of the current recorded cases of the disease.
The minister also warned those who make racist remarks by associating the disease with a particular race.
“The Covid-19 does not target a particular race, religion, position or social status. It can infect anyone. We also wish to warn those who post hurtful or sensitive comments that they can cause chaos and disunity. We will take action against them as well. We, as Malaysians, must stand by one another regardless of race. We want to build and develop this nation together,” he said.
Hamzah said he also discussed with the police ways to enhance enforcement of the MCO as there are still many people who defy the order.
Among the plans was to increase the number of roadblocks nationwide, adding that 3,125 people have been arrested for defying the MCO, of which 246 have been charged in court.