Police will be tougher on those who flout Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) leaving no room for compromise if the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, warned Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
To do so, he said the government may amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 to increase compound fines against SOP violators, particularly against employers.
"Stern action will be taken without further compromise if we see the Covid-19 cases continue to climb.
"Just wait... whatever form of punishment will be announced later. Maybe Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador or the Health Ministry will announce it.
"We have to wait as it involves the amendment of Act 342 or the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988," he told a press conference after visiting a roadblock in Gombak this afternoon.
Yesterday, the IGP said it is time to raise the RM1,000 fine imposed on SOP flouters following the nationwide spike in Covid-19 cases.
Under existing laws, the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 only provides a RM1,000 maximum fine against those found violating the SOPs during a pandemic.
The government had drawn flak from the people after big companies and politicians who breached SOPs got off the hook by merely paying the maximum compound.
The Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 that was gazetted on Jan 11, also does not stipulate fines against such violations.
Ismail Sabri said a heavier penalty can be done via the amendment of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021. - Mkini
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