There has been no government intervention in imposing penalties or fines on individuals found guilty of violating the Movement Control Order (MCO), said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

On the contrary, according to the Senior Minister (Security Cluster), the decision is at the discretion of the judiciary based on the facts of the case.

"So, it is up to the court's discretion to decide the sentences imposed by them and we the government does not interfere. Therefore, I say, the the judiciary is independendent to mete out decisions.

"(The difference in fines under Act 342) may be due to the facts of the case, and that's why the judge decided as such," he said at a daily press conference here today.

He was commenting on the reaction of some quarters following the difference in fines on MCO violators, who were fined RM400, RM500, RM800 and RM1,000.

The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 or otherwise known as Act 342 is used in the country following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is enacted to amend and consolidate laws relating to the prevention and control of infectious diseases occurring in the country. It is also to provide for the relevant provisions or regulations.

In addition, the Prevention of Disease Control and Prevention (Measures Within the Infected Local Area) Regulations 2020 also provides for those convicted under the law to be fined not more than RM1,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months or both.