The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is trending on Twitter but not for any good reason.

The trend started after a video of a student who briefly pulled down his mask was fined RM1,000, the maximum amount one can be fined for not following the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) rules.


Many netizens went on social media platforms to protest PDRM's actions after a clip, part of a TV report on the compliance of mask wearing by a local television channel, featured the incident with the student.

Why was his mask not properly worn? Well, it is said that he had lowered it as he felt like there was hair on it.

He was fined the maximum amount for the offence and was later seen crying after being issued the fine.

Netizens calling out double standards

Netizens shared their outrage on behalf of the student, pointing out that many from the "upper class", especially politicians, have been spared such harsh punishment.

I think our PDRM need a clear briefing about physical distancing against properly wearing a facemask. ??‍♂️ https://t.co/OxCoQkL64O

— ☻ ارشد (@AcadWahid) August 9, 2020

I hope PDRM dont cherry pick who to saman. If you can be aggressive and fine rakyat marhaen for not adhering to the mask policy, u can channel the same energy towards the elitiss too yehhh ?‍♂️✨

— Sara Mack Lubis (@holasaraa) August 2, 2020

look how this teenager kena fine 1k and you look at the politics people free without mask , hello malaysia , law is for everyone https://t.co/0T9nOuIJ0v

— ryn ? (@ofnseven) August 9, 2020

PDRM could at least get RM 50K if they fine these people for not wearing mask or not wearing it properly.... just saying.... https://t.co/qACCV7EQig

— piqa (@piqalee) August 9, 2020

remember when nurul zahid only needed to pay RM800 for breaking the MCO?

this poor guy probably cant afford to pay RM1,000. it is apparent that our authorities & laws dont want to touch those in positions of power or related to them. this reflects the injustice of our system. https://t.co/4HGRhHK9fi

— freyr (@sunfloweraidil) August 9, 2020

That's at least 40k worth of saman ? @PDRMsia don't you wanna write that up ??? https://t.co/QIIfoSSj7Z

— cakoi (@alfontub) August 9, 2020

MP offers to pay the fine

Kepong Member of Parliament, Lim Lip Eng, went on Twitter to share his sympathies towards the student and said that he would help settle the fine.

Saya bersimpati dengan pelajar yang dikenakan kompaun kerana tak memakai pelitup muka di stesen komuter. Kepada pelajar tersebut, sila hubungi saya bagi membantu menjelaskan denda RM1000 tersebut. Saya berharap agar orang ramai dapat mematuhi SOP bagi mencegah penularan COVID-19. https://t.co/6jpteCKflO

— LIM LIP ENG (@limlipeng) August 9, 2020

In his post, he also urged the public to follow the SOPs set by the government.

We hope the student will see the post and receive the assistance offered.

We also hope that PDRM will show more discretion when issuing summons, or at least, be a little bit more sympathetic.