Ismail Sabri: Govt won't repeal RM10k fine but may reduce compounds upon appeal

 

Putrajaya will not repeal the RM10,000 fine for violating movement control order (MCO) SOPs but the fine could be reduced upon an appeal by individuals issued such compounds, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The government may allow a reduction of the RM10,000 fine for certain offences, he said.

As an example, he said those who failed to wear face masks could have their fines reduced if they appealed.

However, he said the government will now allow reduced fines for nightclub-goers even if they appealed.

"I was informed that the de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan and the Health Ministry are spelling out the compound criteria under the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021," Ismail told a press conference today.

"Many are confused with the RM10,000 fine. They felt the fine would be imposed for all offences when the inspector-general of police (IGP) and I had explained this would be the maximum fine that could be reduced upon appeal.

"The health district officer could reduce the compound amount," he said.

"For offenders who are caught not wearing masks, if they are villagers, rubber-tappers, or from the low-income group with seven to eight children, this is different from those who are self-employed, those with high-income. 

"Between these two (groups), it is at the discretion of the district health officer to provide a reduction (in the fine)," he said.

Similarly, IGP Abdul Hamid Bador reportedly said for individuals on the receiving end of the RM10,000 fine, consideration might be given based on factors such as that person's employment background.

If they were labourers or part-time workers, there was a possibility the fine may be lowered to RM50, said the top cop.

The government's decision to hike the fine from RM1,000 to RM10,000 came into force last Thursday (March 11).

The increased fine was intended for repeat offenders but enforcers say they are required by law to impose the maximum fine on everyone and an appeal for a lower sum can be made later. However, no proper mechanism for appeals is in place.

This led to public outrage, prompting various political parties to rope in their lawyers to help complainants.

Political parties from both sides of the divide offered legal aid to people who feel they have been unfairly fined RM10,000 for violating the SOPs. - Mkini