Main image via NewsBeezer + Indy100 + India TV
In this day and age, wearing a face mask when you’re in public is not a matter that should be taken lightly.
Many around the world have gotten fined or punished for not wearing a face mask and now one couple is facing deportation from Bali for trying to pass off face paint as face masks.
via GIPHY
In a bid to create a reaction video, “influencers” Josh Paler Lin and Leia Se decided to try to fool other shoppers in a store in Bali by painting on their face masks instead of actually wearing one.
For the video, John filmed Leia with her painted on mask as she attempted to avoid being called out by onlookers.
Complete with white lines that lead to her ears to mimic the straps, Leia’s “mask” was painted to look like one of the popular blue disposable face masks.
The couple’s reaction video however, was slammed by viewers.
When the video was uploaded, netizens were furious at the duo’s stunt and many called for their deportation.
After investigations, the Indonesian immigration confirmed that Josh – who is a Taiwanese national, and Leia – a Russian national, had both had their passports seized.
The authorities also shared that they were considering deportation of the couple.
Image via Indy100
I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, shard that the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officers would be questioning the duo.
“After that they will be examined together with Immigration to take the decision on whether or not to deport them,” he said.
The head of Bali Civil Service Police, Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, noted that the agency planned to issue a letter that recommended deportation as the couple’s actions in the video had violated the expected behaviour.
“They are not only violating, but deliberately provoking in public, so it’s only proper to sanction them more severely, not just with a fine but also deportation,” he said.
Image via India TV
According to Bali’s mandatory mask rule, foreign nationals are subject to a fine of IDR1 million (RM282.85) for the first time that they are caught without masks, while a second violation may subject them to deportation.
When faced with the consequences of their irresponsible actions, Josh and Leia – alongside a legal team, released an apology video that explained that the video that went viral was not meant to disrespect the mask mandate or encourage others not to wear masks. They merely wanted to “entertain people”.
“I did not realise that what I did could… raise a lot of concerns,” Josh said. “Once again we want to apologise for what we did and we promise not to do it again.”
We really hope that Josh and Leia have learnt their lesson.
Please remember that wearing a mask in public is mandatory and you could face some serious trouble if you don’t wear one or… make a joke about wearing one.
Stay safe, follow SOPs, wear a mask and stay updated with the latest COVID-19 news here: https://en.syok.my/covid-19
Info via UNILAD