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LETTER | Please, be consistent with the Covid-19 guidelines

LETTER | Frankly, I find Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's explanation within hours after the release of the conditional movement control order guidelines by the National Security Council (NSC) very confusing.

Even the law enforcers are confused with the requirement to register when they have to refill petrol.

In the first place, the police should know that we are not allowed to use a mobile phone anywhere near a petrol kiosk. In order to register with MySejahtera, you will need to physically walk towards the shop area.

Now, the minister seems to say that it is only for people who enter the shop. If that's true, then, why does the NSC even bring this matter up, since the people would still have to register with MySejahtera in all other shops or outlets? Or is there any reason why petrol stations are singled out for the announcement?

The confusion is caused by people who set the guidelines but are unable to follow the rules themselves. This is creating a burden to the rakyat, especially those who have been issued a summon.

Will the summon be cancelled, and if the amount has been paid, will it now be returned since Ismail said it is not necessary, unless you enter the shop?

Till now, I am confused as to who to follow: the police, who have the power to issue the summons, or the minister?

What we really need are people who are more capable to handle the current pandemic. I cannot understand why Ismail continues to make all the blunders that he has made, even in the previous cabinet that he was in.

Please make sure that guidelines are properly discussed with the relevant government agencies before they are released to the public.


STEPHEN NG is a citizen with an avid interest in following the country’s political developments since 2008.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.