PUTRAJAYA: Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd has no authority to disregard policies and rules set by the government, including ones covering social distancing as a preventive measure against Covid-19 infection.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said public transport operators cannot ignore regulations set by the authorities.
He said that if they wish to do so, they must first apply to the National Security Council (NSC), instead of "announcing anything according to their whim and fancy."
"We understand the problems they face when social distancing is enforced, as there are fewer passengers, thus increasing operational costs not just for rail services but also airlines.
"We understand this and are discussing the matter; but please don't decide for yourself without referring to the government, as this is wrong. There was no such decision made by the NSC or during the ministerial meeting," he told a press conference today.
He reminded the public that Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) SOPs are still in force under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), and that offenders could face maximum penalties of RM1,000 fine and six months' jail for various offences.
Ismail Sabri's statement on the matter came after Rapid Rail chief executive officer Abdul Hadi Amran said earlier today that the company will drop social distancing measures enforced on its rail services during the CMCO when it resumes full operations tomorrow.
Abdul Hadi said the move is in line with the Transportation Ministry's SOPs for the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), which are in contradiction to practices and rules enforced under Act 342.
In an immediate response, Rapid Rail, in a statement, said it will abide by the regulations set by the government.