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RM1K MCO Fine For Standing 0.8m Apart In Queue?

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Can you really get a RM1,000 MCO fine for standing just 0.8 metres apart in a queue?

Find out what happened to Bernard He, and what the FACTS really are!

 

Claim : RM1K MCO Fine For Standing 0.8m Apart In Queue!

On 4 February, Bernard He Linjun was queuing up for his turn at cash deposit machine at a bank, when the police came to check for compliance with the MCO SOP.

The police officers took pictures at the bank, asked customers for their MyKad identity cards, and then instructed them to wait outside after using the ATM machines.

Bernard thought he was safe because he logged his visit using MySejahtera, and had queued up properly – standing inside the designated queue box.

Nevertheless, when his turn came, he was issued a RM1,000 MCO fine for not complying with the social distancing SOP!

When he questioned the police officer, he was told that while he was standing inside the marked box, they were all less than 1 metre apart.

According to the police, the boxes were only 0.8 metres apart, and the bank did not adjust their spacing even after being warned about this earlier.

As this was a technical violation of the law, they had to issue him the compound. They also fined the bank for violating the SOP.

He ended his post with the advice that people should help to warn businesses and other people about such SOP requirements, so they won’t get fined like him.

 

RM1K MCO Fine For Standing 0.8m Apart In Queue : The Facts

Some netizens have suggested that he may not be telling the truth. After all, similar claims have proven to be false in the past.

Others have also suggested that he was complaining on Facebook to gain sympathy, fame or attention.

However, Bernard was telling the truth, and here are the reasons why….

Fact #1 : He Posted A Picture Of His Compound

On 5 February 2021, Bernard posted a picture of the police compound he received.

It showed that he was, indeed, fined RM1,000 on 4 February 2021, for not complying with the social distancing SOP.

Fact #2 : There Is A 1 Metre Social Distancing Requirement In Public

There is a 1 metre social distancing requirement in public, including businesses like banks and shopping malls.

This applies throughout Malaysia, irrespective of whether the area is under RMCO, CMCO or MCO restrictions.

Even though it is hard for anyone to visually differentiate between 0.8 metre and a full metre, the police are technically correct to say that standing 0.8 metre from someone else is breaking the law.

To be safe, try to stand further away (1.5 to 2 metres) from other people. If they complain, use Bernard’s example as evidence that this is no joke.

Do also note that the social distancing rule is extended to a minimum of 3 metres for dynamic sporting activities.

Fact #3 : You Can Appeal The Decision

If you feel that the police wrongly issued the MCO fine, you can appeal it.

In Bernard’s case, he was relying on the bank to accurately space out their “social distancing boxes” for their customers.

He may not necessarily win his appeal, but he has a good reason to appeal.

After all, no one brings a measuring tape to ensure social distancing, and we all rely on marked boxes to comply with the SOP.

 

Bernard’s Posts On His RM1K MCO Fine

For those who can read Chinese, here was what Bernard He posted about how he received a RM1,000 MCO fine for not complying with the social distancing SOP :

今天我去银行存款结果在存款机面前被开了一张RM1000的罚单，我已经遵守SOP了还是被罚款，今天要去存钱的大家请注意，也请告知身边朋友。

事情是这样的，刚才我去银行处理事务然后再存款，M银行大排长龙好不容易排到我，下一个就轮到我存款了！这个时候执法人员进来拍照了，然后要大家把ic拿出来交给他，并且请我们提款之后在外等候。我看了看脚下，幸好有站在格子里保持安全距离 也有scan My Sejaterah，我想说乖乖配合就好了。这时M银行经理出来了，他请执法人员去一旁，执法人员说对她说：我昨天已经警告你们了为什么你们还不遵守SOP？M银行经理说是顾客Degil不遵守SOP。

之后执法人员礼貌的叫了我然后开了一张罚单给我，我目瞪口呆的说：我有站在格子啊而且下一个人就到我了明明距离很远。他说：我有看到你跟前面的距离很远，也有站在格子里，但是地上的格子违规了！格子距离不到1米，他还给我看（确实目测只有0.8米）。然后警察也礼貌的解释，他们已经警告过商家了但是商家没有调整，他也明白不是我们的问题，但是因为在执法不管什么原因确实也是违规了所以要开罚单给现场所有人。我问执法人员，那这种情况我们要怎么处理？他说我们只能时刻自己保持警惕。他们也向该银行开出了罚单。

看到这篇文章的你们，请你们不要吝啬的转发出去，如果看到店家或其他人违规SOP一定要说出来！不然你也会像我一样莫名其妙的被罚款！

He also posted a more detailed FAQ on his experience :

大家好，我是Bernard森竣，

针对昨天我在银行发生的事件，由于事情发酵得太快，为了不让事件扭曲或有所误解，因此我没在当下回复各位网民和媒体朋友，深感抱歉。该银行分行经理在中午时分已经联系我说明来龙去脉，并且愿意配合该负责的相关罚款和事项。此外，我刚才也在律师的陪同下，已经和各报记者交代事件来龙去脉。

相信很多网民看到这个事件也跟我一样一头雾水，咨询律师之后我想跟大家分享我的看法。站在我的立场，当事情发生时我并没有想要责怪任何一方，而且现场发生事情时大家应该都焦头烂额，或许也略带个人情绪；如果这时候追究一定会把事情复杂化，因此我先选择接罚单，事后再来处理。我也跟大家一样很多事情当下都搞不清楚状况所以也一并咨询了律师关于我的疑虑，以下我也来回应各位的问题。

1.不是我们的错是不是不要乱签罚单？

【签名不代表认罪】所以不要担心，为了不造成现场混乱我们必须先理智的配合执法人员的作业程序，之后再处理问题。

2.为什么不post罚单出来？

【公开罚单出来是不违法的】当时我不知道公开执法单位开出来的罚单算不算违法，所以为了避免触犯法律我选择不公开发出来，我已经把罚单交给律师和银行了。
3：为什么当场不去投诉？

【当下场面混乱投诉无意义】事发之后我有打客服电话告知来龙去脉，并且要求他们给于回应。

4：明知道疫情那么严重为什么要出门？

【确实因为有事情要处理】如有要办事情，只要遵守政府规定的SOP之下都可以外出。况且我们都是人类，都怕染疫，我相信应该不会有人无缘无故故意去被传染。

5.为什么只有你出来说话？只有你中罚单吗？还是故意炒作？

【我不知道为什么只有我出来发文】但是当时排在我后面的小女生有和我联系。现场除了在提款的人没中罚单，其余的都接了罚单包括该银行。昨天的文章里面写得很清楚，我是希望大家转发出去让身边的人知道有这件事情发生请大家多注意，如果要刻意炒作你也不会现在才认识我。

6：为何不公开事发地点和哪家银行分行？

【我一向不认同针对性的指责】针对这件事情，我个人认为搞清楚事情比较重要，就算大家齐力抵制了该银行分行，我们也很有可能在没有搞清楚作业程序之下在其他银行或地方发生类似事件。现在网路消息散播的非常迅速，我觉得面对任何事都要就事论事，避免发生网路霸凌事件。

7：有拍照吗？为什么不拍现场的照片？

【没有拍现场照片】我认为随意拍照会牵涉个人隐私而且当时执法人员在执法为了避免不必要的麻烦我们乖乖配合就好，况且银行都有CCTV，有必要的时候我们可以要求闭路电视档案。

8：所以每个人都要带一把尺出门自己量吗？

【当然也不至于】只要我们觉得很拥挤了或看到别人没有遵守SOP，我们可以礼貌向对方提出。“生命安全”跟“paiseh不好意思说”比起来我们更要捍卫自己的安全，所以为了保护自己我们时刻都要礼貌理智的解决问题。

9：立春存钱，是你自己太迷信，活该被罚！

【尊重每一个人】在这个社会我认为要尊重每个宗教，信仰，种族。我们尽管做好自己的本分，遵守政府规定的SOP行事就好，我们也没办法强迫影响每个人的思维。

10：当下就要缴付RM1000吗？

【罚单有还款期限】罚单上面是有还款期限的，如果你觉得不是你的问题，你可以去上诉还原真相。请不要觉得麻烦或者是破财消灾，错了就接受惩罚，没错就不要默默背锅。

事情发生了就发生了，能提醒就提醒，能自觉就自觉，该处理的处理。大家都是第一次经历疫情，没有谁比谁更有经验，如果在生活上面对什么问题可以试着询问身边有相关人士或有关单位，千万不要意气用事，多花一点时间把事情完善的解决比较重要。最后感谢吉隆坡中华大会堂与媒体朋友们对于此事的关注和协助。

希望疫情期间大家好好的注意防护并且严厉遵守SOP，新年快乐！

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Alliance Bank : 5 Branches Closed After COVID-19 Exposure!

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Alliance Bank shut down 5 branches after at least three employees were confirmed to be positive for COVID-19.

Find out what happened, and whether you should be concerned!

 

Alliance Bank : At Least Three Employees Positive For COVID-19

Alliance Bank closed these five branches / offices after at least three employees tested positive for COVID-19.

  • Alliance Bank Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
  • Alliance Bank direct marketing office at Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
  • Alliance Bank Star Boulevard KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
  • Alliance Bank Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
  • Alliance Bank lending hub in Puchong Jaya, Selangor

All five branches will remain closed for sanitisation, until further notice.

At least three Alliance Bank employees are known to be positive for COVID-19 :

  • Employee 1 worked at the Puchong Jaya lending hub, and was last at work on 22 December 2020.
  • Employee 2 worked at the Jalan Ipoh branch, and visited the Star Boulevard branch. This employee was last at work on 24 December 2020.
  • Employee 3 worked at the direct marketing office, and was last at work on 28 December 2020.

Alliance Bank did not mention why their Jalan Gaya branch in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, was also closed for sanitisation.

It could have been due to infected employee(s), or an exposure to a customer with COVID-19.

 

Alliance Bank COVID-19 Exposure : Do NOT Panic!

Even though quite a number of Alliance Bank branches were affected, you should not panic…

They are definitely tracing contacts, which is why it is important to log your movements with MySejahtera, or the physical logbook.

While banks offer physical logbooks, we highly recommend that you use the MySejahtera mobile app, because it allows for easier and faster contact tracing.

Using the MySejahtera mobile app also obviates the need to sign a physical logbook, which usually means using a shared pen – an unnecessary risk factor.

If you happen to be in close contact with any of those affected Alliance Bank employees, you will be contacted and asked to self-quarantine and undergo a COVID-19 screening test.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is easily destroyed by soap, so the sanitisation operations will definitely clean the branches of any infectious particles.

But most important of all – we need to remember to always wear a face mask in public. Face masks have been proven to prevent the spread and reduce the risk of being infected.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe During CMCO!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

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COVID-19 Hot Spot Areas In KL : Hoax Debunked!

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The map of COVID-19 hot spot areas in KL has gone viral on WhatsApp, but it’s really just a hoax.

Find out what happened, and what the facts really are!

 

COVID-19 Hot Spot Areas In KL : The Viral Map

This is the map that went viral on WhatsApp – showing 7233 cases in seven COVID-19 hot spot areas in KL :

  • Dorsett KL : 1446 cases
  • Pavilion : 1419 cases
  • Times Square : 1419 cases
  • Lot 10 : 1066 cases
  • Low Yat Plaza : 1027 cases
  • Wisma Genting : 701 cases
  • Petaling Street : 155 cases

 

COVID-19 Hot Spot Areas In KL : Hoax Debunked!

The map of COVID-19 hot spot areas in KL claims to be based on the MySejahtera app.

However, it is FALSE and here are the reasons why…

Reason #1 : KKM Confirms It’s False

The Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) confirmed that this map is false.

Reason #2 : MySejahtera Does Not Show Cases For Specific Locations

The MySejahtera app allows you to look up specific locations, but it will NOT show the case numbers for any specific location.

So it is not possible for anyone to use MySejahtera to find out that Low Yat Plaza has 1027 cases, for example.

Reason #3 : MySejahtera Shows Cases In 1 KM Radius In Past 14 Days

The MySejahtera Hot Spot tracker feature only lists the number of reported COVID-19 cases within a 1 km radius in the last 14 days.

In other words, it shows you how many COVID-19 cases were reported within a 3.14 square kilometre area over the past 14 days.

If you try it out now, you can search for Pavilion KL, and it will say,

There have been 805 reported case(s) of COVID-19 within a 1 km radius from your searched location in the last 14 days.

 

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CMCO Extended For 7 States / Territories, And Ends For 4!

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The Malaysia National Security Council (MKN) just announced that CMCO will be extended in 7 states / territories, and will end for 4 other states / territories.

Here is the list of states and territories where CMCO is extended, and where they will end!

 

Areas Where CMCO Is Extended To 31 December 2020

With daily highs in COVID-19 cases, the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) announced another extension of the CMCO / PKPB lockdown of these states and territories.

This extended CMCO / PKPB lockdown will start at 12:01 AM on 21 December 2020 and end on 31 December 2020.

 

Areas Where CMCO Will End On 20 December 2020

On the other hand, the situation has improved in these areas, and their CMCO / PKPB lockdown will end on 20 December 2020.

  • Kulim district, Kedah
  • Changkat Jong in Perak
  • Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kusial, Tanah Merah in Kelantan
  • Kota Tinggi in Johor

 

Peninsular Malaysia CMCO : New December 2020 SOP!

Here is the new, updated MKN SOP on what’s allowed and what’s not allowed in CMCO / PKPB areas in Peninsular Malaysia :

GENERAL

  • Nationwide travel is allowed, except to EMCO (PKPD) areas.
  • Private and commercial vehicles are allowed to carry up to their maximum passenger capacity.
  • High risk individuals and children are not encouraged to go out.
  • All activities and services at airports and ports are allowed.
  • Public transportation, like buses, express buses, LRT / MRT / ERL / Monorail / ferry / airlines / taxi / e-hailing vehicles are allowed to operate as normal.
  • Food delivery services are allowed to operate from 6 AM until 12 AM.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

  • All business, economic and industrial activity can proceed as usual.
  • Businesses must ensure that customers are physically distanced by 1 meter while entering or leaving their premises.
  • Businesses must limit the number of customers within their premise, and publicly display the maximum number of customers allowed inside.
  • Businesses must ensure that customers check in using MySejahtera or write in the logbook.
  • Businesses must scan the body temperature of customers, and those with a body temperature of 37.5 °C are not permitted to enter.
  • All employees, suppliers and customers must wear a face mask at all times.
  • Supermarkets, shopping malls and retail stores are allowed, between 6 AM and 12 AM.
  • Restaurants, food stores, food trucks, hawkers, food courts, food stalls, food kiosks, groceries and convenience stores are allowed to open from 6 AM until 12 AM.
  • Dine-in is allowed, with 1 meter distance between every person.
  • Daily, wholesale, farmer’s and night markets are allowed to open until 12 AM.
  • Petrol stations are allowed to open from 6 AM until 12 AM, except for those on highways – they can open 24 hours
  • Laundry services are allowed between 6 AM and 12 AM.
  • All other permitted businesses are allowed to operate between 6 AM and 12 AM.
  • All other essential activities NOT listed in the Negative List are permitted, subject to the existing SOPs.

For more details, please see Peninsular Malaysia CMCO : New December 2020 SOP!

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe During CMCO!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

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RMCO / PKPP in Malaysia : New SOP for December 2020!

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Here is the new December 2020 SOP on what’s allowed and what’s not allowed during the RMCO / PKPP restrictions in Malaysia!

For the Conditional MCO SOP, please see Peninsular Malaysia CMCO : New December 2020 SOP!

 

Malaysia : RMCO / PKPP Restrictions Until 31 December!

As extended restrictions are significantly impacting the economy, the Malaysia National Security Council (MKN) decided to lift the CMCO / PKPB lockdown on less affected areas :

Except for states under CMCO / PKPB lockdown, all other areas in Malaysia are under the more lenient RMCO (Recovery Movement Control Order) or PKPP (Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Pemulihan) restrictions.

The RMCO / PKPB restrictions is scheduled to end on 31 December 2020.

 

Malaysia RMCO / PKPP : New December 2020 SOP!

Here is the new, updated MKN SOP on what’s allowed and what’s not allowed in RMCO / PKPP areas in Malaysia :

GENERAL

  • Nationwide travel is allowed, except to EMCO (PKPD) areas.
  • Private and commercial vehicles are allowed to carry up to their maximum passenger capacity.
  • High risk individuals and children are not encouraged to go out.
  • All activities and services at airports and ports are allowed.
  • Public transportation, like buses, express buses, LRT / MRT / ERL / Monorail / ferry / airlines / taxi / e-hailing vehicles are allowed to operate as normal.
  • Food delivery services are allowed to operate from 6 AM until 2 AM.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

  • All business, economic and industrial activity can proceed as usual.
  • Businesses must ensure that customers are physically distanced by 1 meter while entering or leaving their premises.
  • Businesses must limit the number of customers within their premise, and publicly display the maximum number of customers allowed inside.
  • Businesses must ensure that customers check in using MySejahtera or write in the logbook.
  • Businesses must scan the body temperature of customers, and those with a body temperature of 37.5 °C are not permitted to enter.
  • All employees, suppliers and customers must wear a face mask at all times.
  • Supermarkets, shopping malls and retail stores are allowed to operate as usual.
  • Restaurants, food stores, food trucks, hawkers, food courts, food stalls, food kiosks, groceries and convenience stores are allowed to open from 6 AM until 2 AM.
  • Dine-in is allowed, with 1 meter distance between every person.
  • Daily, wholesale, farmer’s and night markets are allowed to open as usual.
  • Petrol stations are allowed to open as usual.
  • Laundry services are allowed to open as usual.
  • All other permitted businesses are allowed to operate as usual.
  • All other essential activities NOT listed in the Negative List are permitted, subject to the existing SOPs.

HEALTHCARE

  • Public and private clinics and hospitals are allowed to open 24 hours.
  • Pharmacies and drugstores are allowed to open as normal.

FISHING, FARMING, PLANTATION INDUSTRIES

  • The fishing, farming, plantation, livestock and related food chain industries are allowed to operate as normal.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

  • All religious activities are allowed, subject to the relevant SOPs.

ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION + CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

  • Entertainment centres, pubs and night clubs are forbidden to open, except for F&B services.
  • Theme parks, indoor playgrounds and cinemas are allowed to open.

CREATIVE INDUSTRY

  • All activities are allowed as usual, subject to the Creative Sector SOP.

SPORTS + RECREATION

  • All sports and recreational activities are allowed, subject to the Sports & Recreation Sector SOP.
  • Sporting events and competitions with spectators and/or with participants from other countries are forbidden.

EDUCATION

  • All public and private schools, institutions of higher learning, vocational training institutes, kindergartens, day care centres, tahfiz centres, public parks and recreation centres are allowed to operate as usual.
  • Tuition, music, dance, art, language classes are allowed to operate as usual.
  • Kindergartens, nurseries and childcare centres are allowed to operate as usual, subject to the SOP.

SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS / CONFERENCES

  • All seminars, workshops, courses, training, conferences, lectures and MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) are allowed, subject to SOP.
  • Face to face meetings in offices, hotels and convention centres are allowed, with physical distancing and the wearing of face masks.

CELEBRATIONS

  • Official and unofficial government and private ceremonies, and social events like weddings, banquets, engagement parties, aqiqah ceremonies, tahlil, birthdays, anniversary parties, reunions are allowed, subject to SOP.

TOURISM

  • All domestic tourism activities that cross into or out of the EMCO or CMCO areas (except green zones) are forbidden.
  • Overseas tourism is forbidden.
  • Domestic tourism involving foreign tourists (except from countries approved by the Minister) is forbidden.
  • Tour companies are allowed to operate, based on existing SOP.
  • Hotels are allowed to provide accommodation.
  • Restaurants, including F&B outlets and lounges are allowed.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe During RMCO!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

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Nationwide Travel At Vehicle Capacity : Please Follow SOP!

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The Malaysia National Security Council has decided to allow nationwide travel at vehicle capacity from 7 December 2020 onwards!

Find out what this means, and what is the SOP we need to comply with when we travel!

 

Nationwide Travel Allowed At Vehicle Capacity From 7 December 2020

Malaysia continues to record an average of about a thousand new COVID-19 cases every day, with over 74,000 COVID-19 cases so far.

However, even the lenient CMCO / PKPB lockdown is taking a toll on the economy, with an expected GDP loss of RM 300 million a day.

So, the Malaysia National Security Council decided to lift travel restrictions, and vehicle passenger limits.

  • Interstate and inter-district travel are now allowed (except in EMCO areas).
  • The existing roadblocks at state borders will be removed.
  • There is no longer the need to obtain police permission to travel.
  • Travel into and out from CMCO / PKPB areas are allowed.
  • There is no limit on the number of passengers in a vehicle, subject to its maximum capacity.

In the newly released 7 December 2020 SOP, they also lifted the prior limitation that only 3 persons per household can leave the house.

 

Nationwide Travel At Vehicle Capacity : Please Follow SOP!

While nationwide travel is now allowed at full vehicle capacity, the government is reminding everyone to comply with the SOP.

The police will be focusing on enforcing the SOP, instead of controlling interstate or inter-district travel.

So what are the key SOPs that we must comply with?

  1. Wear a face mask in public places at all times.
  2. Wear a face mask in public vehicles (not necessary in private vehicles)
  3. Practice social distancing in public places – at least 1 metre apart.
  4. Maintain good hand hygiene with soap and water, or a hand sanitiser.
  5. Always log your public movements with MySejahtera or a manual logbook.

You should also do your best to avoid crowded places, especially public events.

Please remember that many of those who are infected and contagious are not symptomatic.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

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Fact Check : Fat Bidin Claims On MySejahtera Snooping!

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Wan Azlee, who goes by Fat Bidin, claims that MySejahtera is mining private information from our phones.

Find out what he discovered, and what the FACTS really are!

Updated @ 2020-12-03 : Added MySejahtera version history for more context.

Updated @ 2020-12-01 : Added more information, including how to disable permissions in Android and iOS for the paranoid.

Originally posted @ 2020-11-30

 

Fat Bidin : MySejahtera Is Mining Information From Our Phones!

In Episode 41 of Fat Bidin Knows Everything, Wan Azlee claimed (between mouthfuls of oats) that MySejahtera is mining a wealth of private information from our phones.

His evidence? A report by the Exodus Privacy website, stating that MySejahtera has 6 trackers and 24 permissions.

He went through the 24 permissions and made these concerning observations about MySejahtera :

  • it can take control of your phone and pair it with your Bluetooth devices
  • directly call phone numbers
  • find accounts on your phone
  • read your contacts in your phone
  • read the contents of your SD card
  • modify or delete the contents of your SD card
  • prevent your phone from sleeping
  • modify your contacts

Phwoarrrr…. shocking, isn’t it? Wan Azlee / Fat Bidin then asks the Malaysia Ministry of Health to be transparent and tell us what’s going on.

Well, let’s take a closer look at his claims…

 

Fat Bidin On MySejahtera Is Mining Our Information : A Fact Check

Wan Azlee is very articulate, but Fat Bidin honestly doesn’t quite know everything… and here’s why.

Fact #1 : That MySejahtera Version Was From April 2020

Fat Bidin posted his video on 24 November 2020, and we noticed that he was checking an old version of MySejahtera – version 1.0.10, that was posted way back in April 2020.

For the record, there has been FOURTEEN UPDATES since that version :

  • 1.0.11 : 23 April 2020
  • 1.0.12 : 28 April 2020
  • 1.0.13 : 3 May 2020
  • 1.0.15 : 4 May 2020
  • 1.0.16 : 13 May 2020
  • 1.0.17 : 23 May 2020
  • 1.0.18 : 30 May 2020
  • 1.0.19 : 3 June 2020
  • 1.0.20 : 28 June 2020
  • 1.0.21 : 30 June 2020
  • 1.0.22 : 21 July 2020
  • 1.0.23 : 29 July 2020
  • 1.0.24 : 11 August 2020
  • 1.0.25 : 5 November 2020

The latest version of MySejahtera – version 1.0.25 –  was released on 5 November 2020 – 19 days before Wan Azlee posted his video.

Why on Earth would he focus on a 6 month-old version of the app, when there is a much newer version?

Fact #2 : Exodus Posted Their Latest MySejahtera Report On 20 November 2020

Exodus posted their latest report on the latest version of MySejahtera (version 1.0.25) on 20 November 2020 at 10:47 am (as you can see in this screenshot).

That was 4 days before Wan Azlee posted his video, so why didn’t he use this new report instead?

Fact #3 : MySejahtera Has 1 Tracker + 14 Permissions According To Exodus

According to the November 20 Exodus report, MySejahtera has 1 tracker – Google Firebase Analytics, and 14 permissions, of which the highlighted ones were :

  • ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION : access approximate location (network-based)
  • ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION : access precise location (GPS and network-based)
  • CALL_PHONE : directly call phone numbers
  • CAMERA : take pictures and videos
  • READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE : read the contents of your SD card
  • WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE : modify or delete the contents of your SD card

We immediately noticed that several controversial permissions are no longer in it :

  • GET_ACCOUNTS : find accounts on the device
  • READ_CONTACTS : read your contacts
  • WRITE_CONTACTS : modify your contacts

So if you are worried that MySejahtera is reading your contacts or modifying them, just UPDATE it to the latest version 1.0.25!

Fact #4 : Actual Permissions Are Fewer

When we checked MySejahtera 1.0.25 as installed in our phone, we found that it actually asked for and used only 11 permissions, instead of 14 as reported by Exodus.

The report also offered a bit more context about those permissions. For instance, location data is only made available when you are actively using the app.

That’s because the location data is used by MySejahtera for its Hotspot Tracker and Locate Health Screening Facility features.

In your phone, you can tap on them for more information on what they allow the app to do.

Fact #5 : Apps Need To Read, Modify + Delete Their Own Data

The permission to read, modify and delete content on our phone may seem ridiculous, but it is a necessity for most apps.

Unless the apps is merely a container for a website or web service, it needs to store data, and modify or delete it when necessary.

Fact #6 : Access To External / SD Card Is Necessary

Most developers will also ask for the permission to read, modify and delete content to the (micro) SD card, because of Adoptable Storage.

Adoptable Storage is a feature that lets smartphones use external storage (like a microSD card) as if it is part of their internal storage.

When a microSD card is used this way, apps like MySejahtera can be installed on it. Therefore, it would require permission to read, modify and delete its own data on the external storage card.

Fact #7 : Android Restricts Data Snooping

Apps that have access to read / modify / write external storage are allowed to access files from other apps. However, this is limited to only these three media collections :

  • MediaStore.Images
  • MediaStore.Video
  • MediaStore.Audio

MySejahtera, or any other app with similar permissions, cannot read / modify / delete data outside of those three media storage locations.

Fact #8 : MySejahtera Has A Privacy Policy

Like all other Android and iOS apps, MySejahtera has a privacy policy, where it is stated clearly that

MySejahtera is owned and operated by the Government of Malaysia. It is administrated by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and assisted by the National Security Council (NSC) and the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU). The Government assures that the collection of your personal information is align with Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709).

The app will not record user’s Personal Data except with the permission and voluntarily provided by the user. Information collected are used for monitoring and enforcement purposes by Government authorities in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is not shared with other organizations for other purposes unless specifically stated.

Fact #9 : You Are Protected By PDPA 2010 (Act 709)

We are all protected by the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709).

Anyone who is caught sharing our personal data without permission is be liable to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

Fact #10 : You Can Disable Permissions

You can view and disable any permission that worries you :

Android

  1. Go to Settings > Apps >  MySejahtera > Permissions.
  2. Tap on the permission you don’t want, and select Deny.

Apple iOS

  1. Go to Settings > MySejahtera.
  2. Disable the permissions you don’t want.

But note that doing this will likely break some features in MySejahtera.

Fact #11 : Many Other Apps Are Worse For Your Privacy

When it comes to privacy, we have bigger fishes to fry. Take a look at how many trackers and permissions these four popular apps require.

They make MySejahtera look absolutely privacy-conscious!

 

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Latest MySejahtera SOP For Petrol Stations : To Scan Or Not?

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Senior Minister for Security Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaacob just issued an updated MySejahtera SOP for petrol stations.

Please make sure you understand the new SOP, and share it out with your family and friends!

 

Scan MySejahtera At Petrol Stations, Or Get Fined RM1K?

While CPRC (Crisis Preparedness and Respose Centre) from the Ministry of Health has said that it is not necessary to scan MySejahtera at petrol stations, the police insist that it is mandatory.

In fact, Bukit Aman CID Deputy Director DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid confirmed that you must register MySejahtera at the petrol station, even if you do not enter the convenience store!

Malaysians were thoroughly confused by two competing narratives, and a slew of news reports that flip-flopped on the issue.

 

Latest MySejahtera SOP For Petrol Stations : To Scan Or Not?

At around 6 PM on 10 November 2020, Senior Minister for Security Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri, issued an updated SOP on the use of MySejahtera in petrol stations in this press conference.

Here is a summary of the updated MySejahtera SOP for petrol stations :

MUST Scan MySejahtera / Register Manually

  • Making payments or purchases inside the petrol station’s convenience store.
  • Using the ATM machine inside the petrol station’s convenience store.
  • Using the petrol station’s toilet or surau.
  • Sending your car to the petrol station’s workshop.
  • Sending your car for a manual car wash.

DO NOT Need To Scan MySejahtera / Register Manually

  • Self-serving at the pump, and paying using their credit or debit cards or online app.
  • Paying the cashier through the pigeonhole.
  • Self-inflating your own tyres.
  • Using the auto car wash, unless you are paying inside the petrol station’s convenience store.
Scan MySejahtera or
Register Manually?
Making payments inside the petrol station store YES
Making purchases from the convenience store YES
Using the toilet or surau YES
Sending car to petrol station’s workshop YES
Sending car for manual car wash YES
Self-serving at pump, and
paying with credit / debit card / mobile app		 NO
Paying cashier through pigeonhole NO
Inflating tyres with air NO
Driving car through auto car wash NO

 

MySejahtera : Why Use It At Petrol Stations?

MySejahtera is a mobile app developed by the Malaysian government. It serves as a contact tracing tool, as well as a way to disseminate verified information on COVID-19 in Malaysia.

Its users can log their movements by quickly and simply scanning a QR code at public places. This is a safer option to signing a logbook, because you won’t need to touch the logbook or use a shared pen.

Even though petrol pumps in Malaysia are generally self-served, petrol stations are high traffic public areas with pump attendants and employees, as well as other customers, who may be infected.

Registering your visit with MySejahtera at the petrol station will allow the authorities to quickly and accurately perform contact tracing if any infected person was at the petrol station.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

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Scan MySejahtera At Petrol Station, Or Get Fined RM1K?

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CPRC says it’s not mandatory, but PDRM says you can be fined RM1,000 for failing to register MySejahtera at the petrol station!

So which is it? After flip-flopping, they finally clarified their stance… hopefully, for the LAST TIME!

 

Register MySejahtera At Petrol Station, Or Get Fined RM1K?

According to PDRM, you must register MySejahtera at the petrol station, even if you do not enter the convenience store! Otherwise, you could be subject to a RM1,000 fine!

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department deputy director DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid confirmed this, saying “If the people do not register or scan, how will the police trace them if there are Covid-19 cases in the area?”

As petrol stations are high-traffic public spaces, it is mandatory to register your visit using MySejahtera, as well as wear a face mask have your temperature scanned, and use a hand sanitiser.

However, it appears that petrol station operators may not be aware of this requirement either, as they do not put up MySejahtera QR codes at their pumps for motorists to register their visits…

 

But Didn’t CPRC Say MySejahtera Not Necessary At Petrol Station?

This email shows the CPRC (Crisis Preparedness and Respose Centre) team saying that it is NOT necessary to register your visit using MySejahtera if you are merely refuelling at the pump or making payments.

Sadly, it appears that CPRC and PDRM are not on the same page. CPRC says it’s not necessary, but PDRM insists it is mandatory.

 

Latest MySejahtera SOP For Petrol Stations : To Scan Or Not?

On 10 November 2020, Malaysia’s Senior Minister for Security Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri, issued an updated SOP on the use of MySejahtera in petrol stations in this press conference.

Here is a summary of the updated MySejahtera SOP for petrol stations :

MUST Scan MySejahtera / Register Manually

  • Making payments or purchases inside the petrol station’s convenience store.
  • Using the ATM machines inside the petrol station’s convenience store.
  • Using the petrol station’s toilet or surau.
  • Sending your car to the petrol station’s workshop.
  • Sending you car for a manual car wash.

DO NOT Need To Scan MySejahtera / Register Manually

  • Self-serving at the pump, and paying using their credit or debit cards or online app.
  • Paying the cashier through the pigeonhole.
  • Self-inflating your own tyres.
  • Using the auto car wash, unless you are paying inside the petrol station’s convenience store.
Situation Scan MySejahtera or
Register Manually?
Making payments inside the petrol station store YES
Making purchases from the convenience store YES
Using the toilet or surau YES
Sending car to petrol station’s workshop YES
Sending car for manual car wash YES
Self-serving at pump, and
paying with credit / debit card / mobile app		 NO
Paying cashier through pigeonhole NO
Inflating tyres with air NO
Driving car through auto car wash NO

 

MySejahtera : Why Use It At Petrol Station?

MySejahtera is a mobile app developed by the Malaysian government. It serves as a contact tracing tool, as well as a way to disseminate verified information on COVID-19 in Malaysia.

Its users can log their movements by quickly and simply scanning a QR code at public places. This is a safer option to signing a logbook, because you won’t need to touch the logbook or use a shared pen.

Even though petrol pumps in Malaysia are generally self-served, petrol stations are high traffic public areas with pump attendants and employees, as well as other customers, who may be infected.

Registering your visit with MySejahtera at the petrol station will allow the authorities to quickly and accurately perform contact tracing if any infected person was at the petrol station.

That’s why they made it mandatory to register your visit with MySejahtera at the petrol station, even if you don’t enter the convenience store.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Travel | Software | Business | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

Machines Northpoint : Closed After COVID-19 Exposure!

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Machines just announced the closure of their Northpoint Service Centre after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

Find out what happened, and if you need to be concerned about this new development!

 

Machines Northpoint : One Employee Positive For COVID-19

On 26 October 2020, Machines announced that an employee at their Northpoint service centre tested positive for COVID-19.

The employee, who last worked at the Mid Valley outlet on 16 October 2020, was summoned by the Malaysia Ministry of Health for testing, after close contact with a COVID-19 positive case.

The employee went for the test on 23 October 2020, and it came back positive today, 26 October 2020.

Machines immediately close their Northpoint service centre outlet for disinfection and cleaning, and it will remain closed until further notice.

They are now working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to identify close contacts for COVID-19 testing and quarantine.

This is the second COVID-19 incident involving Machines. On 12 October, they shut down the Machines Mid Valley retail outlet, after an employee there tested positive.

 

Machines Northpoint : Official Statement On COVID-19 Case

Here is the official Machines announcement on the COVID-19 positive case at their Northpoint service centre :

Dear Valued Customers

We would like to confirm that an employee in our Machines Service Centre at Northpoint Office Mid Valley KL received a positive Covid-19 test result on 26 October 2020.

The employee has not been at work since clocking out on 16 October 2020. Following close contact with another Covid positive case outside of work, the employee was summoned to KKM for testing on 23 October 2020 and received her test result today.

We are working closely with KKM to identify contacts for testing and quarantine. We shall be conducting wider precautionary testing in the interest of the safety of our employees and customers. Our Northpoint Service Centre is closed for disinfection and cleaning until further notice.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to adhere to KKM’s and MKN’s guidelines and SOPs to deter the spread of the disease and keep our community safe.

Thank you.

 

Machines Northpoint COVID-19 : Should You Be Concerned?

These shopping mall infections reinforce the importance of contact tracing, and the MySejahtera mobile app which logs the movements of its users.

While shopping malls and all other public premises offer physical logbooks, we highly recommend that you use MySejahtera, because it allows for easier and faster contact tracing.

Using the MySejahtera mobile app also obviates the need to sign a physical logbook, which usually means using a shared pen – an unnecessary risk factor.

If you happen to be in close contact with this Machines employee at their Northpoint service centre, you will be contacted and asked to self-quarantine and undergo a COVID-19 screening test.

COVID-19 is easily destroyed by soap, so the deep cleaning operation will definitely clean the branch of any infectious particles.

More importantly, face masks greatly reduce the risk of infection. That’s why it is critical for everyone to wear a face mask in public.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Business | Computer | Home

 

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If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!

FamilyMart KLIA2 : Staff Tests Positive For COVID-19!

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FamilyMart shut down their KLIA2 outlet today, after an employee there tested positive for COVID-19.

Find out what happened, and what you should do if you were there recently!

 

FamilyMart KLIA2 : One Employee Positive For COVID-19

On 25 October 2020, FamilyMart announced that an employee at their KLIA2 outlet tested positive for COVID-19.

That employee was last at work on 22 October 2020, but only tested positive today, 25 October 2020.

FamilyMart immediately shut down their KLIA2 outlet for a deep cleaning and sanitisation today, 25 October 2020., and will remain closed until further notice.

Meanwhile, the remaining staff there undergo screening and self-quarantine.

This is the second KLIA2 outlet to shut down because of COVID-19, after Jaya Grocer on 20 October 2020.

This FamilyMart KLIA2 outlet is located in a high-traffic area, next to the arrivals pic-up area.

 

FamilyMart KLIA2 COVID-19 Exposure : Should You Be Concerned?

In accordance with the Malaysia Ministry of Health guidelines, they will be performing contact tracing, and contacting those who came in close contact with the affected employee.

If you happened to be in close contact with the employee, you will be contacted and asked to undergo a screening test.

This infection reinforces the importance of contact tracing, and the MySejahtera mobile app which logs the movements of its users.

While public premises offer physical logbooks, we highly recommend that you use the MySejahtera mobile app, because it allows for easier and faster contact tracing.

Using the MySejahtera mobile app also obviates the need to sign a physical logbook, which usually means using a shared pen – an unnecessary risk factor.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is easily destroyed by soap, so the deep cleaning operation will definitely clean the outlet of any infectious particles.

But most important of all – we need to remember to always wear a face mask in public. Face masks have been proven to prevent the spread and reduce the risk of being infected.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe :

  • Avoid suspected cases or disease hotpots, like hospitals, if possible!
  • Avoid public events and crowds
  • Keep our hands clean with soap or hand sanitiser
  • Keep our homes, offices, vehicles, etc. clean
  • If you need to wear a surgical mask, make sure you put it on and remove it properly!
  • Wash your food with water (and soap) after purchase and before preparation

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

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Go Back To > Travel | Home

 

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MySejahtera / Logbook : Register Or Get Fined RM1,000!

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With the number of COVID-19 cases rising in Malaysia, here’s a timely reminder – register yourself at all public places using MySejahtera or the logbook, or get fined RM1,000!

 

MySejahtera / Logbook : Register Or Get Fined RM1,000!

Malaysia has so far weathered the COVID-19 pandemic with relatively few cases, thanks to a relative strict Movement Control Order, and a mandatory requirement to wear a face mask in public from 1 August 2020 onwards.

But with the surging number of new cases, the Malaysian government appears to be ramping up enforcement checks on businesses.

Malaysian netizens have shared videos and photos of recent enforcement checks, where those who did not register themselves either using the MySejahtera app or a logbook were fined RM1,000 per person!

 

MySejahtera : What Is It?

MySejahtera is a mobile app developed by the Malaysian government. It serves as a contact tracing tool, as well as a way to disseminate verified information on COVID-19 in Malaysia.

Its users can log their movements by quickly and simply scanning a QR code at public places. This is a safer option to signing a logbook, because you won’t need to touch the logbook or use a shared pen.

 

MySejahtera / Logbook : What’s The SOP?

On 4 October 2020, the Malaysia Ministry of Health issued another reminder on the mandatory registration SOP using MySejahtera or a logbook.

Please note that EVERY PERSON – including children and domestic helpers – must be registered. If they do not have a smartphone, they must register using the logbook.

Also, if you are registering yourself using the physical logbook, please write in your FULL NAME and telephone number. You can be fined if you write in only your first name.

Premise Owner

  • Make sure visitors undergo temperature screening and scan the QR code using MySejahtera
  • In the event you do not have a QR code, make sure visitors record their particulars in a logbook
  • Make sure visitors with symptoms or high risk status are not allowed into your premise

Members Of The Public

  • Make sure you perform temperature screening and scan the QR code using the MySejahtera app, or record your details in the logbook, every time you enter a premise.
  • Perform a risk analysis from time to time.

Those who fail to register themselves at public premises risk being fined RM1,000 per person, per offence.

The Malaysia Ministry of Health has proposed that this fine be increased to RM10,000. The proposal was submitted to the Malaysian Parliament in August 2020, but has yet to be approved.

 

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :

Recommended : Soap vs Sanitiser : Which Works Better Against COVID-19?
Recommended : Surgical Mask : How To CORRECTLY Wear + Remove!
Recommended : COVID-19 Food Safety : Fruits, Vegetables, Takeouts

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Science | Software | Business | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!