Traders who feel aggrieved by the Covid-19 protocol fines are urged to appeal to the Health Ministry, said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador.
Speaking to reporters in Bukit Aman today, Hamid said the appellant can explain to the Health Ministry why their circumstances warrant the fine being waived or reduced.
"It is not a death sentence. If a person is offered a compound - and I have said this many times - that person can appeal.
"So don't think that we are cruel. If the person thinks he did nothing wrong, appeal," he said.
Hamid said this when asked to comment on the grievances of at least two traders in Kelantan who complained about receiving RM50,000 fines for allegedly trading after 10pm and thus violating the movement control order (MCO)
The RM50,000 fine is the maximum for the first offence by a company.
When told that some of the traders were complaining the police did not use their discretion, as one trader was fined after allegedly ceasing operations, Hamid said the police will investigate this matter.
"Are you sure? Where was this? We will obtain the facts. (The trader) can appeal. God willing, we will hear from both sides.
"I believe the police perform their duties with sincerity. If those who are affected feel that this is not fair, they should appeal," Hamid reiterated.
Rojak seller Mohd Azizi Mohd Nor told Malaysiakini yesterday that he was fined RM50,000 at 11.30pm while frying keropok for his children in his kitchen, at home.
Azizi ran a food stall from the front of his house in Kampung Chekok Tengah, Kota Bharu.
Meanwhile, on the Federal Court's decision to free Zaidi Kanapiah - better known as Datuk Addy Kana - and two police personnel from detention under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca), Hamid said his deputy Acryl Sani Abdullah will investigate the matter.
"We want to see what are the weaknesses (which resulted in the court decision). Acryl will monitor the matter to prevent it from recurring.
"We don't want to give the impression that we are abusing Poca to victimise anyone without cause or safeguards," he said.
When asked if lack of evidence was the reason for the trio being freed, Hamid replied that Poca is only applied when there is not enough evidence to charge a criminal in court.
He said that Poca was necessary to discourage other criminals from taking advantage of the law.
The trio was detained under Poca for links to a "Macau scam" and online gambling activities. - Mkini
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