Now the compound for violating standard operating procedures (SOPs) is no longer RM1,000 but 10 times of it. Since Mar 11, Individuals who violate the SOPs stipulated for the prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic can be fined up to RM10,000. The action to compound the individual was made under Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021.
According to Malay Mail dated Mar 12, 330 have been issued the compound of RM10,000. I believed to pay such a big amount it might be an issue to some of the people. What if you don’t have the money to pay?
A Malaysian lawyer took social media to share some knowledge on ways to reduce the fine to as low as RM50!
His post read:
RM10,000 compound will be issued for those violating SOPs, but is it really paying RM10,000? My answer is not really. Let me share with you how to handle this.
First, for those who commits an offence under the Act will be fined not more than RM10,000.
The wordings that were printed on the compound forms have caused confusion among the public, which led them to believe they have to settle a fine of maximum RM10,000 after being compounded. In actual fact, that is not the case.
Those who received the compound notices from the police can pay for the fine or submit an appeal in District Health Office(PKD). So the final amount can be RM50, RM100, RM300, RM500, RM1,000 or higher, depending on offence committed and number of times committed.
The maximum compound of RM10,000 was aimed at repeat offenders and extreme violation of the SOPs.
In the case you think the final amount determined by PKD is not reasonable, you can also choose to appeal to court by self-defending or appointed lawyer, and the Judge will make the final decision.
Defending justice, reasonable punishment and fairness are the principles of me practicing as a lawyer for 17 years.
“Appeals can be made to PKD, not to the police because this is under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342),” Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob told The Edge.
PKD officers would use their discretion to determine the amount that needs to be paid by the offenders.
Let’s check out the netizens’ comments:
▼” Actually a lot of us probably don’t understand the reason behind those strict SOPs. Who are going to suffer if they are falling sick? Government’s fault again?”
▼” I think government make a good move, hopefully the pandemic will be over soon and we can go out again”
▼” Why the focus is to avoid the fine but not strictly adhere to the given SOPs? ”
▼” Critical moment like this, those staying in red zone should avoid heading out except for getting necessities and work. Just stay at home as much as possible, if possible try to apply to work from home. If really wanted to head out try to go to places with less crowd and strictly adhere to SOPs.
Back to the point, self-discipline, always think of others and work together to break the chain.”
Info via FB | Malay Mail | The Edge