KUALA LUMPUR: The sharp rise in the penalties from RM1,000 to RM10,000 for violating Movement Control Order's standard operating procedures (SOPs) as proposed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) is deemed too heavy, not equitable and does not fit the crime, said Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said since the instance and effect of not following SOPs had increased drastically over the past year, it makes sense to increase the fine of RM1,000 which is stipulated by Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
"But to increase the fine from RM1,000 to RM10,000, as proposed by the Ministry of Health, is too hefty and excessive... that's a 900 per cent increase.
"All right-thinking people will agree with the maxim that punishment must always fit the crime... the severity of a crime should determine its punishment, where if the severity increases, so must the prescribed punishment," he said in a statement today.
He said in certain cases, some flexibility should be exercised by law enforcers so as not to unfairly burden the public, especially so when the offender commits the offence not as an act of defiance but by sheer carelessness or forgetfulness.
Lee added that not everybody can afford RM10,000, especially during these economically challenging times, nor is it fair to first offenders who probably forgot or were slow in complying.
"There may be some who make honest or unintentional mistakes. These people should be let off with a reprimand.
"A distinction must be made between first and repeat offenders. It is proposed that a three-tier system be introduced instead of a RM10,000 fine for all," he said.
He therefore suggested to the relevant authority to devise and implement a fairer system of penalising those who violate the SOPs put in place to fight COVID-19, where they should exercise their wisdom and fairness to determine the appropriate fines to be imposed.
"It's important to all people to follow SOPs strictly... comply not because of the law but because of one's safety and health, and for this, it is important to step up efforts to educate the public on their responsibility to ensure that they do not unwittingly spread the virus," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Feb 27 2021
Lee added that not everybody can afford RM10,000, especially during these economically challenging times. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.