Akmal has come under fire after he uploaded a video of himself on social media distributing duit raya to police personnel in Jasin, Melaka.

When contacted, Akmal said this was his personal contribution to the police force and civil service every Ramadan to show his appreciation for their services, adding that he would be giving similar donations to local council officials and the Jasin district land office next week.

Stating that this was a practice he has maintained since before joining politics, the Merlimau assemblyman said the money was derived from his clinic’s profits and did not involve government funds.

“It’s not wrong… It would be wrong if it is done under the table (hidden),” he said.

“In my case, I openly distributed the raya packets containing RM20 to 420 police personnel in Jasin. It would be a different story if only the station chief received it.”

Akmal also denied that the handouts were an attempt to gain support for Umno, stressing that he did not encourage any of the police personnel to vote for the party.

“I know there are those who don’t vote for Barisan Nasional, but it’s alright… My actions are sincere,” he said.

In February, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said it’s an offence for his men to receive money packets or ang pow while on duty.

However, they are allowed to receive it from friends and families during the festive season when off duty.

Akmal has been criticised by various quarters for his insistence on promoting a boycott of convenience store chain KK Mart, which has been mired in controversy for mistakenly selling socks with the word “Allah” at one of its branches.

Despite the chain having issued an apology, Akmal has refused to accept it and has continued to publicly campaign for a nationwide boycott of KK Mart, whose founder and director have been charged in court for intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims by selling the socks.