KUALA LUMPUR: A couple who had embarked on an interstate travel for their wedding anniversary had given a false excuse while applying for cross-state permission.

Wangsa Maju District Police Chief, Superintendent Ashari Abu Samah, said the couple had made initial preparations by making a hotel reservation online as early as December 2020 to celebrate their wedding anniversary on March 17, 2021.

"The police have conducted a thorough investigation after there were doubts based on the statement given by the couple to the police on March 20.

“As such, the police have opened an investigation paper against the two individuals under Section 22 (d) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

"If convicted, the couple can be compounded up to RM10,000," he said in a statement, on Monday.

Commenting further, Ashari warned the public not to misuse the cross-state permits given for business, work or emergencies.

"Do not engage in other personal activity programs as well as contradict the reasons given to the police when applying for cross -state movement.

"In order to combat the spread of COVID-19, all individuals should play their respective roles and cooperate in complying with the Movement Control Order as prescribed by the government," he said.

Members of the public who have any relevant information are requested to channel it to the Kuala Lumpur Police Hotline at ‪03-2115 9999‬, Wangsa Maju IPD Hotline at ‪03-9289 9222‬ or any nearby police station.

Recently, several photos were uploaded by a woman via 'Instagram Stories' with captions on tips on how to get police permission to cross the state for honeymoon purposes.

According to the woman, who is 'instafamous', she had booked a holiday place last December and claimed that the police officers at her place were easy to give clearance.

The matter provoked uneasiness and criticism from netizens as well as considering the couple's actions as insensitive to the current situation.