CORONAVIRUS | Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has cautioned the public against breaching the movement control order (MCO) or risk facing immediate arrest.
It will be at the police’s discretion to impose a RM1,000 fine on violators or arrest and charge them right away.
In a broadcasted press conference today, Ismail shared that the police have decided to take sterner action to encourage higher compliance during the third phase (April 14 to 28) of the MCO.
“Those who breach the MCO this time will be arrested and charged in court under Section 24 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988,” he said.
Under the Act, first-time violators can be jailed up to two years or fined, or both. Second-time violators can be jailed up to five years or fined, or both. The fine quantum is not stipulated.
“They (violators) will be brought straight to court [...] We will leave it to the police to decide if there will be any more compounds.
“We leave it to the police but what is confirmed is that they (violators) will be arrested and charged in court,” Ismail stressed.
The minister shared that 1,095 people were arrested yesterday for violating the MCO, up from the 666 the day before.
Of the 1,095 - 815 were fined RM1,000, 242 were remanded by the police and 38 were placed under police bail.
Legal action against uncooperative patients
Ismail, who spoke to the press after the National Security Council’s daily meeting on the Covid-19 outbreak, said legal action will also be taken against those who fail to comply with instructions from Health Ministry staff.
“We decided during today’s meeting that stern action will be taken against them under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant from carrying out their duties,” he said.
Section 186 of the Penal Code states that those guilty of obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their public duties can be fined not more than RM10,000 or jailed for not more than two years, or both.
Doctors previously took to social media to point out the demanding and uncooperative behaviour of some Malaysians who had returned from overseas and needed to undergo mandatory screening and quarantine procedures. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.