MCO violation: RM10,000 fine for first offence adds to headache of enforcement officers, people - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the RM10,000 fine for the first offence of violating the Movement Control Order (MCO) will result in dissatisfaction in the community, said Barisan Nasional (BN) Advisory Board Chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The former prime minister said the inconsistent implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) would confuse the people and the enforcement authorities.

"SOPs should be consistent and should not 'flip-flop' often to the extent that enforcement officers and the people are having headaches," he said.

The Pekan MP added he supports a heavier punishment for those who violate the SOP but does not in any way support the generalising of all SOP violations.

"After the fine was raised, the people's anger will certainly increase if there is another double-standard between the punishment of ordinary people and politicians.

"It becomes even worse for the elected representatives because any fine in excess of RM3,000 will result in disqualification as an elected representative," he said in his latest Facebook post today.

According to the Federal government gazette published yesterday, individuals who violate the rules or 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 was 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.

Najib said the government should consider the method of progressive punishment, which is to increase the rate of punishment periodically to stubborn offenders who repeatedly violate the SOP.

He said the less serious offences involving the largest number of people may be due to accidental mistakes.

Therefore, he stressed, the implementation of fines needs to serve a lesson and should be raised progressively - not to bankrupt the people.

“As an example, for less serious offences, the fine can be progressively increased. First offence: RM1,000; Second offence: RM3,000; Third offence: RM6,000; Fourth and subsequent offences: RM10,000.

"This method of progressive punishment is adopted by several other countries and accepted by the people there because no one will sympathise with stubborn offenders who repeatedly violate the SOP," he added.