KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking at raising the existing fines for flouting the movement control order's (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOP) involving companies.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the existing RM1,000 was not deterrent enough, hence an increase of up to RM100,000 or even with jail time could be considered.
The maximum fines for individuals could be raised as well, he said.
"We can draft Ordinance and amend laws during the State of Emergency.
"The Attorney-General will study this and if it can be gazetted, then we can enforce this (stiffer penalties) as soon as possible," he said.
He said there were cases involving entertainment outlets where they felt the RM1,000 fine was small, hence they had set aside the amount needed to pay the fines in advance, before the authorities raid their premises.
Other offences where fines could be raised would involve employers who refused to allow their foreign workers to undergo Covid-19 tests and failure to provide conducive lodging facilities for their workers.
"We already have Act 446 (Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990), but the process to penalise them may take longer.
"Now we can draft an ordinance so that we can act quickly against such employers.
"During the state of emergency, we can come up with any ordinance related to Covid-19," he added.