Opposition MPs can't support Act 342 amendments in current form - Anwar

The Opposition bench has stated its objections to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Bill (Amendment) 2021 tabled for first reading in Parliament today.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim (above) in a statement said the Dewan Rakyat was informed that the Bill will be debated on Thursday, the last day of Parliament for this year.

"After going through details of the Bill, listened to views from the MPs and public response concerned with the exorbitant amount of compound that may open up room for abuse of power, bribery and double standards, the Opposition bench and I cannot support this Bill in the form it was tabled.

"I have stated our stand to the prime minister," said the Port Dickson MP.

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 the proposed amendments, 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.

Earlier today, Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said guidelines to issue the compound is in the works and will be finalised after the Bill is passed. - Mkini