Johor Palace: No action against those who don’t don mourning attire

JOHOR BARU: The people in the state should ignore rumours saying that they would be fined or arrested if they did not adhere to the dress code for the mourning period following the death of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail.

Johor Council of Royal Court secretary Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli described the rumours as “utter nonsense” and said it was just a gimmick by parties who were trying to defame the name of the late Sultan.

“The new sultan of Johor is very concerned and he is not pleased about these rumours that do not have any basis,” he said during a press conference relating to the issue at the Istana Besar here Monday.

He added that the dress code, which was announced, was only a suggestion by the state to be used by the people during the mourning period.

“We are not forcing the people of Johor to wear said attire but it should be worn out of their love, respect and as a symbol of their heartfelt condolence for the late sultan,” he said.

Abdul Rahim also said that the state has left it to the police to look into the matter.

“So far, we have not heart of an official incident where someone was fined or arrested but I would like to reassure the people that we are not forcing them to adhere to the dress code for the mourning period and it is purely on a voluntary basis,” he said.

He also urged all government and non-governmental buildings to fly their flags at half-mast.

“It doesn’t matter if it is a federal flag, a state flag or their own private flag, I hope that they will fly it at half-mast,” he said.

Abdul Rahim also added that all entertainment outlets and other businesses could run as usual.

“The state only announced that these outlets be closed on the day of the late sultan’s funeral and they should not be worried that action will be taken against them if they run their businesses as usual.

“It was never the intention of the royal family to impose any hardship on the people of Johor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said that members of the public should not pay any fine if approached by any official and should report the matter to the nearest police station.

“I have already briefed my officers relating to the matter and I would like to urge the public to complain to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission if officials attempt to fine them,” he said.

Alert 1

The mechanism for fuel pricing in Malaysia has finally

been finalized and controlled under one mechanism, which also takes the

high and lower income group people into consideration, according to

Finance Trade Minister Tan Sri Anuar Ali.

"From May 1, the fuel will be pegged at RM 3.90 per litre for RON97, while

RON95 will increase to RM 3.70 per litre. However, the prices of

national-made vehicles will be lowered by at least 40 percent. For

example, a full-spec family sedan Proton Persona 1.6 litre engine will

cost around RM 23,000.00 excluding road tax and insurance. Import tax and

excise duty will be revised to only 30 percent, from the current 200

percent. Imported vehicles such as the new Toyota Camry 2.4 litre engine

will cost around RM 65,000.00." he said.

The mechanics has been said to be undertaken by a team of experts from

Australia and Canada who were earlier briefed on the issue of subsidy in

this country, whereas after consideration by the transport minister, they

have signed the constitution that the system will be made on May 1, the

day it goes into effect.

Under the new system, there will be a major effect on the existing

consumers who have already purchased a vehicle and to those who are in the

midst of repaying the loan of their vehicle to their financial

institutions.

Ahmad Tajuddin said the government might also re-introduce a cash return

annually to Malaysians who own a 1,500 cc and below vehicle. The amount

have yet to be decided but he assured that the amount will compensate the

price of fuel by at least half to eligible Malaysians based on bumi quota.

- SkyNet News Asia

Kita Tunggu dan Lihat cerita selanjutnya....