MCO violation: Let compound rate be reasonable according to place, situation - Bersatu Armada

KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu Armada has called on the authorities to reconsider compounds imposed on Movement Control Order (MCO) violators are at a reasonable rate although they do not exceed RM10,000.

Armada Law Bureau chairman Mohamad Siddiq Azani said the reasonable rate should be in accordance with the suitability of the place and situation, in line with the intention and objective of the SOP compliance to control the spread of COVID-19.

At the same time, he said, the public should also take note of their right to appeal in court if they are unable to make compound payments.

For example, he added, if a person is compounded RM1,000, he can still appeal in court.

The court can give a reduction of the fine at its discretion depending on the special circumstances and based on the facts of the case.

"Armada hopes that the authorities can also use discretion before imposing a compound on the public in accordance with the situation and location," he said in a statement today.

According to the Federal government gazette published on Feb 26, individuals who violate the rules or standard operating procedure (SOP) set for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic will face a maximum fine of RM10,000 from March 11, 2021.

The matter is stated in the Emergency Ordinance on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) 2021 through a gazette uploaded in the official portal of the Attorney General's Chambers.

The ordinance also states that companies or corporations that commit offences related to SOP can be fined up to RM50,000.

Commenting further, Mohamad Siddiq said, any party who needs further advice can contact the Bersatu Armada Law Bureau through the Bersatu Armada Facebook account.