RM1,500 compound for 'normal' violations too high for majority of Malaysians: Lee

 

The RM1,500 compound for common violations such as not wearing facemask, not observing physical distancing and failure to register via the MySejahtera application or log book when entering any premises was too high for a majority of Malaysians. - Bernama photo.

KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has appealed to the government to reconsider the amount of compound for "normal" standard operating procedures (SOP) violations under the Emergency Ordinance.

Lee said the RM1,500 compound for common violations such as not wearing facemask, not observing physical distancing and failure to register via the MySejahtera application or log book when entering any premises was too high for a majority of Malaysians.

"It is good now the government has clarified the total compounds we need to pay, but in my point of view, RM1,500 is very high. Even with a 50 per cent discount given if the violators pay within a week, that's still a huge burden to them.

"I am not against the fine, I understand the purpose. The government wants the people to comply with the SOP, but the punishment must be commensurate with the offence being committed.

"If the crime is very serious, for example, those engaged in entertainment activities, even the businesses are not permitted, yet still go about it, and they seem to be trying to challenge the law, then those people must be slapped the maximum compound.

"I hope the government will reconsider these amount and lower the RM1,500 compound," Lee told the New Straits Times today.

Earlier today, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced that SOP violations now been categorised "normal", "moderate" and "severe", with the amount of the compound issued accordingly.

He said for the "normal" category, for instance, offenders caught for not using facemasks, not registering using MySejahtera, not filling patrons' log books and not observing physical distancing, would be fined RM1,500.

This followed the increase in penalty for SOP flouters under Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 since March 11.

The new rules had drawn flak among the public with netizens claiming that the RM10,000 compound was "outrageous" and "draconian".

Meanwhile, Lee also suggested enforcement officers to use their discretion before issuing any compound.

"They must use their discretion and best judgement based on the respective situation because once the compound is issued, that cannot be cancelled.

"They should give warnings to unintentional offenders, and if it is a deserving case, then a compound should be issued," he said. - NST