PETALING JAYA: Religious preacher Ebit Lew has always been allowed to conduct charity work to help those affected by the movement control order (MCO), says Bukit Aman.

Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed (pic) said Lew has police permission to carry out his deeds as long as he follows Health Ministry and the Social Welfare Department guidelines.

"Many have praised his work but there were others who felt uneasy with him sharing pictures on social media as though he was trying to show off," he said.

Comm Huzir was responding to Lew's decision to stop sending aid directly to those in need after he was called to record his statement by Bukit Aman Special Branch.

Comm Huzir explained the negative feedback Lew received from certain quarters about his charity work sparked a controversy so police had to take necessary actions to keep the peace.

He also said that the police have not opened investigation papers to look into complaints about Lew's charity works.

"However, please remember no one is exempted from the law and we advise anyone wishing to carry out similar acts to practise social distancing, wash their hands and wear masks to help stop the spread of Covid-19," he said.

In a heartfelt post on Facebook on Friday (Apr 24), Lew said it was never his intention to draw attention to his charity work and would instead continue doing so from home by transferring funds to those in need.

On a separate matter, Bukit Aman has launched an investigation into allegations that Datuk Nurul Hidayah Ahmad Zahid and her husband had defied the MCO.

Comm Huzir said investigations by the Classified Crimes Investigation Unit (D5) found that the daughter of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had posted a picture on her Instagram account after meeting with Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Al-Bakri and deputy environment minister Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad.

"Both of them had their statements recorded on Friday and we will hand over the investigation papers to the Attorney General's Chambers once it is completed," he said.

The case is being investigated for committing a negligent act likely to spread a dangerous disease and breaking the MCO.

Comm Huzir also reminded the public not to stir up anger or negative perceptions by suggesting that the police would not take action on the alleged offence.