Have common sense, deputy minister tells SOP enforcers

 

Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has urged law enforcers to “use common sense” when enforcing Covid-19-related restrictions, particularly when it comes to informal workers running small businesses.

She said enforcers should consider the cause and circumstance that have led to SOP violations, as well the impact of its hefty fines when imposed on small business owners.

“I am confident that enforcement officers and police personnel issuing summons are merely carrying out their duties. Laws should be firmly enforced to ensure people will take notice and learn from it.

“However, I hope enforcers on duty understand the law being enforced and the negative impact of every action taken,” she said in a statement last night.

This came after several cases were highlighted in the media where hawkers and a sundry shop owner were each slapped a RM50,000 fine for alleged standard operating procedure (SOP) violations.

Burger seller Wan Mohd Faisal Wan Kadir was finishing orders to be delivered to a factory, while colek seller Mohd Azizi Mohd Nor had closed his stall and was frying crackers for his children.

Sundry shop owner Mansah Marjurin is contemplating selling his shop after being slapped with the RM50,000 fine while cleaning up after closing for the day.

Each of them was accused of operating their businesses past allowable hours.

Mas Ermieyati said the enforcers may have erred because RM50,000 is the maximum compound for corporations, whereas the maximum compound for individuals is only RM10,000. However, she said even this reduced amount would be too much.

“Even earning RM100 per day in sales cannot be assured when doing business in villages.

“So, it should be understood that burger sellers are not a corporate-level enterprise but a mere informal entrepreneur running a business individually,” she added. - Mkini