Even RM10k is too much - Guan Eng calls Takiyuddin 'inhumane'

 

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the government’s insistence that the RM10,000 maximum compound for businesses exceeding movement control order (MCO) operating hours was still “inhumane”.

This was in response to de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan’s clarification yesterday, following outcry over the spate of RM50,000 fines handed out to traders in Kota Bahru, Kelantan after 10pm on Sunday night.

Takiyuddin, who is also the Kota Bahru MP, said that these traders who are fined can qualify for an early-bird discount of 50 percent if paid within seven days and 25 percent if paid within 14 days.

In a statement today, Lim said even if those who were compounded qualified for the 50 percent early-bird discount, a fine of RM5,000 will cripple many small business owners.

“Takiyuddin has shown that he is inhumane. For a minister, perhaps RM10,000 is not a lot. For a petty trader, even with a 50 percent discount, a RM5,000 would be beyond their means,” said Lim.

Malaysiakini has spoken to three traders in recent days who all received RM50,000 fines for allegedly operating after 10pm.

Lim said that DAP's legal team was ready to defend these traders who wish to take matters to court.

'Passing the buck'

Persatuan Pengguna Melayu Malaysia president Che Hassan Che Johan

In a separate development, Persatuan Pengguna Melayu Malaysia president Che Hassan Che Johan today accused the authorities of passing the buck after public outcry over the RM50,000 fines.

Che Hassan said that while Takiyuddin was passing the buck to the police and the Health Ministry, senior minister (security cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is in charge of enforcement, said it was beyond his scope.

“The problem is they are kicking the ball around while the Health Ministry keeps mum,” said Che Hassan, who also urged the government to ensure that the agencies coordinate among themselves before implementing a law.

“But that’s not the case. The wise minister will say something in the morning and something else will happen in the evening.” - Mkini