CMCO: Government mulling punishment against stubborn parents

The government will look into possible legal action against parents who bring young children out for shopping during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) period.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said discussions will be held with the Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and National Security Council (MKN).

He said if all parties agreed, the law would be amended and those who violated them could be punished under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

“We hear that many parents are still bringing their children to the mall. This is a matter of law. If we are to take action against parents, it (provision) must be in the law or regulation under Act 342.

“So, we will discuss with the Attorney General, MOH and MKN. If this is agreed upon, the rules can be amended and, if violated, can be punished under Act 342.

“We will look at this more closely as there may be other implications. We will discuss and seek advice from the Attorney-General,” he said at a press conference here on Monday.

In another development, Ismail Sabri said the government was aware of the people's complaints that the price of raw materials, especially poultry, had increased dramatically lately.

“The price of chicken has suddenly increased in the last two to three days, if not for some time. When restaurants and stores closed, chicken sales declined, meaning demand was less than offers that resulted in low prices but now it has gone up.

“The government has a mechanism to curb this sudden increase through the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme and I am informed that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will announce this scheme tomorrow.

“The price of the chicken will be controlled, not exceeding the ceiling price set. Not only chicken but various essentials especially used for the Aidilfitri celebration,” he said.