KUALA LUMPUR: The widespread belief that popular artistes can get away with violations of standard operating procedures (SOP) is a myth, for "everyone is equal before the law".
Comedian, entrepreneur and radio announcer Shuib Muhammad strongly insists that artistes do not get away with light punishments when they breach the SOP.
Citing his own experience as an example, the 36-year-old husband of singer Siti Sarah Raissuddin said that they were both fined RM1,000 for breaching the SOP in February by not observing social distancing in a restaurant.
"We artistes do not get special treatment, as Sarah and I had to pay the full fine when we were caught in February. There is no one group that receives special treatment, not even Ministers," said Shuib in a news report yesterday.
Shuib added that artistes who went on interstate travel needed to have the appropriate documents, and permission by the government was only granted for work purposes.
"Both of us did travel interstate, but we only did so after doing all the necessary paperwork, and it was solely to promote our business products."
Shuib, who rose to fame as a member of Raja Lawak 2009 comedy troupe Sepahtu, is the owner of Bubblebee, a cafe which specialises in honey-based drinks.
The company has opened more than 25 outlets around the country since last year.
Shuib has also been a radio announcer on Hot FM since 2019.