Foreign trader fined RM3,800 for not wearing face mask

TUARAN: A Pakistani trader was slapped with a RM3,800 fine by the Magistrate's Court here for two counts of not wearing a face mask at his business premises, last year.

Inayatullah Shahinshah, 22, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to committing the offence at Inayahtullah Baba Enterprise in Tuaran.

For the first charge, he was fined RM800 or two weeks' jail for committing the offence on Feb 7, 2021 at 3.15pm.

The offence under Rule 16 (1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Rules 2021 carries a fine of up to RM1,000 or a jail term of up to six months or both, upon conviction.

He received another RM3,000 fine or two months' jail for committing the offence again on June 8, 2021, at 12.30pm.

The offence falls under Rule 16 (1), punishable under Rule 17 (1) of the same Rules 2021 which provides a fine of up to RM50,000 or a jail term of up to six months or both, upon conviction.

During mitigation, the unrepresented accused asked for the lowest fine as he has dependants and his business was affected by the Covid-19 situation.

Prosecuting officer from Tuaran Health Department, Delentine J. Lacius urged for a deterrent sentence saying among others that the accused had committed a similar offence twice, which showed that he wasn't remorseful over his action.

Delentine told the court that the accused was initially compounded by the health authorities, but he did not pay the compound despite being reminded repeatedly, which prompted him to be charged in court.

Delentine added that the premises is near a public hotspot which is the Rasa Ria Resort.

Inayatullah paid the fine.

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