Offences in three categories

 

In the details: Takiyuddin speaking to the media on SOP guidelines at Putrajaya. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The offences under Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) will be classified into three categories based on severity of the violation.

Fines for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedure have been detailed in guidelines which will be made public, following confusion over the maximum RM10,000 compound.

In a joint press conference with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba yesterday, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the most severe offences (Category One) are those that involve high transmission risk of the virus, and that leads to large-scale impact to the community.

This would include violations such as entering a pub or nightclub.

Individuals who do so will be slapped with the maximum fine of RM10,000 while companies that open a pub or nightclub for operation will face a maximum fine of RM50,000.

Category Two violations are defined as offences that involve high transmission risk of the virus, but would not lead to a wide-scale impact to the community.

These include entering an enhanced movement control area without permission, or refusal to give information concerning the prevention of Covid-19.

Category Three violations include failure to wear masks, failure to record personal details before entering premises, failure to maintain physical distancing.

Those who commit such offences will face a RM1,500 fine, while premises owners operating beyond the allowed hours may be slapped with a RM10,000 fine.

Takiyuddin said the document containing the full list of the offences will be made public online soon.

He also emphasised that individuals and companies who were fined under Act 342 can get 50% discounts on their compounds if they pay within the week.

“If they pay between eight and fourteen days after they were fined, they are eligible for a 25% discount, ” he said.

However, he said if those fined settled their compounds more than two weeks later, there will not be any discounts.

He also clarified that those who faced serious problems in paying off their compounds are able to make an appeal to health officers for a reduction.

“For example, persons with disabilities or those who are needy. They are not able to pay, ” he said, adding that this also includes students and those with chronic illnesses. He added that such individuals or companies are able to appeal to the Health Ministry through several channels.

“In Labuan, appeals can be made through three channels: state health director, deputy state health director (public health) and the health officer in epidemiology.

“In Peninsular Malaysia, appeals can be made through four channels: state health director, deputy state health director (public health), district health officer and health officer in epidemiology in that district.

“It is the same for Sabah and Sarawak, ” he said. - Star