KUALA LUMPUR: Those who have a habit of breaking the Movement Control Order (MCO) standard operating procedures are prime candidates for higher fines of up to RM10,000.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the maximum fine under the amended Emergency Ordinance would not be used without basis.
He said, however, the punishment under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 can be appealed.
He said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador had explained that higher fines would be issued using the "three strikes rule", against those who had been issued warnings three times yet still commit offences.
The biggest culprits, he said, are nightclub patrons and those who violate their mandatory quarantine period.
"As stated before, nightclubs are listed as non-essential and should not be operating. Yet every day, there are those arrested for the offence. I believe these offenders deserve higher fines due to their stubbornness.
"The maximum compound should also be issued against those fitted with pink quarantine bands who violate the quarantine order by going out. This is dangerous as they could spread the virus, which could have fatal repercussions for others," he said.
Ismail Sabri also explained the maximum compound in the amended Emergency Ordinance, saying that the amendment took into account the current situation.
He said despite public backlash over the heavier penalties, it had to be done to ensure that those who violate the SOP are punished accordingly.
"I'm aware that the public is angry and dissatisfied over the compound, thinking they will become victims of harsh punishments.
"Previously, a factory was only compounded RM1,000 under Act 342. The factory caused 4,000 of its workers to be infected with Covid-19 and they were only compounded RM1,000 because that was the maximum punishment," he said.
He said that at the time the maximum fine was gazetted, RM1,000 was a relatively large sum.
"When the State of Emergency was declared, the government decided to amend and increase the compound to RM50,000 for businesses and RM10,000 for individuals found violating the SOP," he said.
Ismail Sabri said the amendment does not mean that those issued with compounds cannot submit an appeal.
"An appeal can be made and the compound can be reduced to RM50 or RM100, but it depends on the district health office. Even if you receive a RM10,000 compound, you can still appeal," he said.
On a similar note, Ismail Sabri said the public have confidence that the police will be fair in using the authority entrusted to them.
"Police will use their discretion when taking action. Do not doubt them. The police will not abuse their powers," he said.