Klang MP Charles Santiago has been summoned for questioning over his alleged violation of the movement control order (MCO), the police confirmed today.
Klang Utara police chief Assistant Commissioner Nurulhuda Mohd Salleh, in confirming the probe on the three-term MP, said the police were initially informed of a huge congregation at Dewan Orang Ramai Jalan Sungai Keramat 9, Taman Klang Utama around 10.20am on April 26.
“Personnel dispatched to the scene then discovered about 200 to 300 people gathered alongside Klang MP Charles Santiago and several of his aides who were seen distributing fresh produce to residents there.
“During the course of investigations, the organisers had also produced a permission letter issued by the Welfare Department stipulating the activity was to be carried out on April 27 but instead they said activity was conducted a day earlier.
“In relation to that, an investigation paper has been opened under Section 269 of the Penal Code and Section 22(b) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease Act for violating the MCO when the activities aforementioned above were conducted,” she said in a statement.
Those found flouting the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) Regulations under which the MCO was formed are liable to a maximum fine of RM1,000, jail of up to six months, or both.
Nurulhuda said no arrests have been made to date and six witnesses were called to help facilitate investigations.
According to her, police investigations also showed that neither People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) nor Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel were at the location to supervise the activities being conducted.
At the time of the incident, there was also no social distancing of a metre and the distribution process was also disorganised.
Earlier, Charles’ lawyer V Vemal Arasan said his client was called for questioning today after a report claiming that the breach took place as he was distributing food supplies to his constituents at the Dewan Orang Ramai Taman Klang Utama two days ago.
Nurulhuda also confirmed a notice was sent to Charles and his aide to present himself at the Klang Utara police headquarters to have their statements recorded.
“We would like to remind any NGOs who wish to provide assistance to residents to obey the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the National Security Council,” she said.
Meanwhile, Charles said he wonders why the authorities seem to be throwing obstacles their way.
“We admit that instead of 200 people, some 600 turned up last Sunday but isn’t this an indication of how bad the situation is on the ground?”
According to Charles, despite the big turnout, their volunteers managed to do excellent crowd control and also followed protocol – body temperature was checked, sanitisers were made available and there were markings on the floor to indicate the one-metre social distancing. They also wore masks and gloves.
“And as usual, we had JKM’s permission to distribute vegetables and groceries on April 27 but had to do it a day before as the farm produce from Cameron Highlands were sent earlier than expected.
“This was effectively communicated to JKM, who pointed out that they can’t make Rela available at such short notice and was informed that our volunteers would be there,” Charles was quoted as saying.
It was reported that the police arrived and said a police permit was required for distributing the food provisions, an argument that was refuted by the JKM.
“After my session at the police headquarters was over, I realised that there is a clash of ego between the welfare department and the police, with the boys in blue uniform insisting that a police permit is essential.
“We have distributed groceries and vegetables to 10,500 families since the start of the MCO in March.
And you know what: We are now told that even vegetables cannot be distributed. I am stumped,” Charles was quoted as saying.
Charles said many Members of Parliament, non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations have been doing an excellent job distributing food provisions to those who desperately need them.
He said the police and other authorities should be welcoming these relentless efforts, which are crucial in ensuring people are fed, babies have milk, and no one goes to bed hungry.
“But unfortunately, the authorities seem to be throwing obstacles our way and it makes me wonder why.
“Could it be because the government has been taking a whack from the public for its inefficiency in ensuring adequate food provisions reach the poor in time?
“Is this high-handedness by the police really necessary? Shouldn’t they be helping us instead?
“I wish the people in power and authority will just let us get on with our work in serving the people that voted for us.”