Fine Khairuddin higher if you want to increase compound, Teresa tells PM

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said the compound rate for those violating the Covid-19 regulations should not be increased unless the same applies to Primary Industries and Commodities Minister Khairuddin Aman Razali who had breached the 14-day mandatory quarantine after returning from Turkey.

"Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced he supports the increase of the fine to 'at least two to three times' higher than the current compound for breaching Covid-19 rules.

"This announcement made me wonder whether it will be applied across the board, to include Khairuddin, who clearly breached the quarantine rules," Kok said in a statement today.

Muhyiddin had said yesterday that he supported raising the compound by "at least two or three times" from the present RM1,000. He said the law would need to be amended before the penalty could be increased.

Kok said this announcement reflects his lack of sympathy as well as the double standards being practised.

"The prime minister seems least concerned about the adverse consequences on a large segment of the rakyat who are already hard-pressed financially.

"On top of that, Muhyiddin also seems unconcerned on the potential fact that the increase of fine will inevitably encourage further corrupt practices by some irresponsible enforcement officers in carrying out their duties, given that enforcement criteria are always subjective," she added.

Kok said Khairuddin's breach of quarantine attracted a lot of criticism from the public due to "over-policing" and the double standards applied by the authorities in dealing with the minister.

"If (Muhyiddin) still insists on increasing the fines imposed, then he should first make sure Khairuddin be penalised by two to three times higher than the current fine imposed upon him.

"He should now direct the attorney-general to seek a review of the measly fine of RM1,000 imposed on the minister for a serious offence, immediately," she added.

Kok noted that Khairuddin's breach of the Covid-19 rules was not merely a case of not practising social distancing or not wearing a face mask. Instead, it was a far more serious case of breaching mandatory quarantine rules.

Khairuddin was fined RM1,000 for breaching quarantine when he returned from a semi-work trip to Turkey on July 7.

The police have also recorded his statement over his quarantine violation, amid calls for harsher punishment and resignation from his ministerial position.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has said it will gather public feedback before proceeding with the proposal to increase the compound rate.

Adham Baba

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba said the move was necessary as there have been quarters asking for the compound to be reduced.

"The ministry welcomed the approval given by the prime minister yesterday for the ministry's proposal to increase the compound against those who do not comply with the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOP).

"However, we will look at the response from the public (first) because there have been MPs asking for the compound to be reduced," he said, as reported by Bernama today.

Adham also noted that the compound rate imposed on offenders currently depended on the discretion of the enforcement officer who issued the compound notice.

"Although the maximum compound under Act 342 is RM1,000, the enforcement personnel can use their discretion to set the amount from RM100, RM200, but, if the offence (committed) is indeed serious, then it is apt to impose the maximum compound," he explained. - Mkini