At a press conference at the health ministry’s headquarters here, Dzulkefly clarified that officials are only tasked with obtaining information regarding the spread of infectious diseases, such as patients’ travel history and close contacts.
He said the ministry’s officials are granted limited authority under Act 342, unlike policemen.
“They can only gather information,” he said.
“Health ministry officials are not empowered to arrest and detain patients … This is a misunderstanding.”
Previously, Sinar Harian reported that the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) had sent a letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim opposing amendments to Act 342, which PPIM alleged were similar to the Internal Security Act.
PPIM adviser Asri Yusoff claimed that one of the new sections in the Act gave health ministry officials the authority to detain people without trial. He also claimed the officials could order infected individuals to undergo isolation and were permitted to use force.
The Dewan Rakyat passed amendments to Act 342 by a majority voice vote on Oct 14 despite criticism from government and opposition MPs about certain provisions.
The amendments include increasing the maximum compound fine from RM1,000 to RM5,000; ordering a person suspected of infection or a close contact to wear or use a tracking device; and significantly increasing the health director-general’s powers and authority during a public health emergency. - FMT
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