PETALING JAYA: Nine retail associations have urged the government to consult all stakeholders over the controversial amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
They feel most of the proposed amendments are unnecessary.
“While we are relieved that the bill is being withheld for further review, we suggest that these amendments be thoroughly studied through consultations with all stakeholders,” they said in a joint statement today.
They said a regulatory impact assessment needed to be conducted to draft fair, conducive and necessary amendments that were effective and met the objectives of preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.
“Many of the proposed amendments are irrelevant and unnecessary and will hinder the nation’s economic recovery,” they said.
Among the associations which made the joint statement were the Building Management Association of Malaysia, Bumiputera Retailers Organisation, Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Malaysia REIT Managers Association.
They said as most people had received their booster shots, many precautionary SOPs, such as temperature taking and physical distancing while masked, could be discarded.
Tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat last December, the amendments initially proposed a maximum fine of RM1 million on companies and organisations and up to RM10,000 for individuals who flouted Covid-19 SOPs.
Jail terms were also proposed.
This raised protests from a wide section of the people.
“Hefty fines encourage abuse and corruption and will spur underground activities and protection rackets,” the retail associations said. - FMT
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