Rina Harun Apologises After Allegedly Breaking COVID-19 SOP To Feed A Blind Girl By Hand

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According to Malaysiakini, the Women, Community, and Family Development Minister had attracted online criticism for a video of herself feeding six-year-old Nur Azalea Zafirah a burger with her hands during the home visit to distribute aid.

Most cited concerns of COVID-19 infection spread through close contact.

The girl's father — Fendy Adlun, a blind drummer from local band Caliph Buskers — had appealed to Rina's ministry for financial assistance.

"Firstly, I would like to apologise for the alleged violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to feed food to a disabled child that has raised questions and concerns for some parties," Rina said in a statement on Facebook on the same day.

She explained that Nur Azalea is blind and has autism, and she was informed by the father that she is unable to eat on her own and requires assistance.

"My heart was touched when the child herself said, 'Nak aunty suap' (I want aunty to feed me)," the minister added.

"To not disappoint this special child, I continued to feed her as part of the psychosocial approach in showing my care as a woman to a child, especially one who is less fortunate."

She said she constantly sanitises her hands, and throughout the session with Fendy and Nur Azalea, she was wearing a face mask.

"Thank you once again for the constructive comments to better my duties and responsibilities. I apologise once again for my mistake," she wrote.