KUALA LUMPUR – The compound for violating movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedures has been increased from RM1,000 to RM10,000 starting today, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.
He said the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 was gazetted at 12.01am.
He said the decision to increase the amount is not to excessively punish the people or have the government simply collect money from them.
“It’s simply to make people aware that the virus (Covid-19) is still everywhere, in case we forget.
“If the MCO, which was imposed a month ago, is not complied with, the situation can change (from better) to worse at any time,” he told a press conference here.
He said whether SOP flouters are issued the maximum RM10,000 is up to the discretion of the authorised personnel, namely district health officers.
“Police only issue a compound notice for not wearing a mask or not practising physical distancing, for example.
“(SOP flouters) are given two weeks to settle the compound. However, they can appeal to district health officers, and it is up to these officers to determine the fine amount.”
He said the RM10,000 fine is aimed at repeat offenders, adding that the Health Ministry will develop a system to record their names.
“If they are found to be repeating the same offence, they should be issued a fine of up to RM10,000.”
Hamid said he attended the Covid-19 meeting where Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah tabled a module to address the pandemic.
“If drastic measures are not taken by the government, (including) enforcing the MCO 2.0 and banning interstate and inter-district travel, the situation will get worse, and Covid-19 cases could reach 10,000 per day.
“If this happens, the system will collapse. With the implementation of the MCO 2.0 for two weeks, the cases reduced.” – Bernama, March 11, 2021
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