Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has once again come under fire for violating the quarantine SOPs after a photo of him posing at Bukit Changgang in Banting with two others went viral on Twitter.
The matter was pointed out by PKR political activist Adzman Kamaruddin and he questioned whether ministers do not require to undergo quarantine after flying back home.
However, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has clarified that Faizal had already finished his quarantine after returning home from abroad, reported Malay Mail.
Balik sini memang terus turun program tak perlu kuarantin ya @PejaOfPerak ? pic.twitter.com/i4vS0ZGHtr
— Adzman Kamaruddin (@adzman86) December 27, 2021
However, Hulu Kinta assemblyman Muhamad Arafat Varisai Mahamad has challenged the Minister to present evidence that he did not breach the mandatory quarantine period after returning to Malaysia last Thursday.
He said that it is impossible for the Health Ministry to shorten the quarantine period of an individual, unless the person requested for it.
“Anyone can make claims. So, if it is true that there was no violation of the quarantine period, then Faizal needs to show proof from the health ministry with a confirmation letter,” he said, reported FMT.
Arafat also said the people have the right to know because they are confused on why the quarantine SOP for overseas returnees can change according to their whims and fancies.
“Actually, each individual returning from abroad must go through mandatory quarantine for 7 days but Faizal was seen meeting people after 5 days.”
“Tomorrow if any member of the public follows his footsteps, don’t be angry and take action,” he added.
Arafat also said Faizal’s actions that violated the quarantine SOP when cases of the Omicron variant are increasing in and out of the country, was irresponsible and showed a lack of concern for the people’s welfare.
On Monday (27 December), Faizal admitted to being among the Cabinet ministers said to be on holiday abroad amid the flood crisis. He was quoted saying by Utusan TV that he was in Dubai last week with his two sons, as they have not seen each other for two years as the latter are studying in the United Kingdom.
This comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had on Sunday (26 December) said several Cabinet ministers who were on holiday overseas have already cancelled their leave and returned home following public backlash.
