PDRM, CPRC and MKN contradict themselves over MySejahtera scans at petrol station issue

Overnight, confusion spread throughout Malaysians regarding the need to scan their MySejahtera contact tracing app at a petrol station even though they are not entering the station’s convenient store.

The issue first came to light when a viral video of a man claiming that his father was fined RM 1,000 for failing to register his MySejahtera trace before filling up at the fuel pump in Ipoh. It has now escalated to a “he says, she says” matter with different media reporting different conclusions.

China Press first reported that the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has confirmed that all visitors at a petrol station are required to scan their MySejahtera app even though they are not entering the station’s convenient store.

Deputy Director DCP Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid quoted that refuelling stations are considered public spaces with heavy human traffic. Contact tracing is part of the mandatory step to ensure the police can trace them in the event there are Covid-19 cases in the area.

Sin Chew Daily later reported that they have made 2 phone calls on the National Security Council’s (MKN) hotline and both operators have given them contradictory accounts.

One operator had stated that there is no need to scan the MySejahtera app if the individual paid for the fuel via credit cards directly at the pumps and did not enter the convenient store.

While another backed up PDRM’s statement that all visitors visiting a petrol station, regardless if they are only settling their business at the self-service kiosks, are required to scan their MySejahtera apps or they will be issued a compound.

When pointed out that the operators were contradicting each other, the second operator had stated that matter will be addressed by at the daily press briefing by Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

But Free Malaysia Today has debunked the story quoting a rep from the Critic Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) that there is no need to register MySejahtera for individuals settling their business at the self-service kiosk as it is rated as a “brief encounter” and the individual did not enter a premise.

Meanwhile, the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia has stated that their directions were to only require individuals entering the shop, toilet, and surau of the station to scan their MySejahtera app and their temperatures. So, if an individual is only refuelling their vehicles they may skip the step. 

The Star also reports that CPRC has responded in an email to them backing up the previous statement they have made to Free Malaysia Today's report.  

So, who do we listen to? For now, we know the matter will be clarified as soon as today during the daily security briefing. But until then, to avoid the hefty RM 1,000 fine, we suggest scanning the MySejahtera QR codes whenever you are refuelling at a petrol station.

Update: Ismail Sabri has addressed the issue regarding the matter. Read all about it here.