Act 342: Netizens raise concern over RM100k, 7 years' jail proposal

 

Putrajaya's proposal to increase the punishment in anti-pandemic law Act 342 up to RM100,000 fine and seven-year jail term has raised concerns among activists and netizens.

The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act, or better known as Act 342, currently gives the health director-general the power to impose a maximum of RM1,000 fine against individuals who flout standard operating procedures, such as failure to wear a face mask in a public place.

However, under an amendment that the Health Ministry is proposing to Parliament, an offender may be looking at a maximum fine of RM100,000, or a jail term not exceeding seven years, both.

The fine is much higher for corporate bodies, with a maximum penalty of up to RM2 million.

Undi18 co-founder Tharma Pillai took to Twitter this morning to express his worries over the harsh penalties and how they would be exercised should the amendment go through.

He also compared the increased punishment being proposed to several other laws that deal with more serious offences, including the Penal Code.

"I hope my friends can help share this infographic. This is really crazy.

"One can be punished up to RM100,000 (fine) or seven years jail just for not wearing a face mask," he said.

"Do you think that 'geng kayangan' would be subjected to this law?" Tharma Pillai added, in reference to VIPs.

In the infographic from Code Blue that Tharma Pillai shared on Twitter, the activist showed that an offender found guilty of causing death by negligence under Section 304A of the Penal Code faces much lesser punishment, which is a maximum of two-year jail, or fine, or both.

It stated a list of offences that provide a maximum seven-year jail term, including kidnapping, causing miscarriage, theft, and attempting to commit robbery.

Several other netizens who shared Tharma Pillai's tweet also raised similar concerns over the proposal.

"Proposed amendments such as this one that unnecessarily criminalises people and perpetuates inequality is a prime example of the government keeping the poor in poverty while generating revenue.

"Fines should be assessed based on earnings and punish the deserving," said @imranshah___.

@jozzz828 said: "We all know only the small guys end up being penalised, while the VIPs get off with a slap on the wrist. #TolakPindaanAkta342."

Replying to a netizen who regarded the amendment proposed as "ridiculously dangerous", Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto shared the sentiment, saying that it was one of the things that have been pointed out in the Parliament. - Mkini