[UPDATED] Diner cries foul over RM10,000 MCO fine issued ‘illegally’

KUALA LUMPUR – A Facebook user has gone on a rant, alleging that enforcement officers illegally fined him and a friend RM10,000 each when they were dining out.

Zachary Yeoh’s post, published about 5pm today, had 512 shares and 38 comments by 8.30pm.

Speaking to The Vibes, he said he will explore his legal options with a lawyer tomorrow and try to appeal the fine.

“Yeah, I am meeting a lawyer tomorrow to get a better picture on how to handle this. Most probably try for an appeal come Monday, and see where it goes from there.”

In his post, Yeoh said:

“I was fined RM10,000 for eating. Samantha Loh was fined RM10,000 for drinking.

“11:14AM - Placed orders, masks on.

“11:16AM - Drinks arrived, masks off.

“11:37AM - A group of 10 officers barged in, our food and drinks were on the table.

“11:38AM - The officers asked for and took our ICs immediately, and proceeded to issue (a) summons without allowing us to clarify or defend ourselves.

“12:30PM - Forced to accept the summons. RM10,000. Each.

“This is illegal. This is ridiculous. This is daylight robbery.”

Many who responded to the post advised the accounting and finance graduate to get the restaurant’s CCTV footage, as well as legal aid.

Simon Wong said Selangor DAP is providing legal assistance to members of the public hit with the hefty compound.

Patrick Lai said: “Fight back with CCTV footage. If not, it’s very hard. But not to worry. The RM10k doesn’t apply. Give a smiling face, and it can be reduced to the minimum… RM250.”

Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the RM10,000 compound under the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 applies to all categories of the movement control order (MCO).

Those in MCO, conditional MCO and recovery MCO areas face the maximum fine for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures.

Yesterday, Ismail Sabri told the press that individuals issued the RM10,000 fine can appeal to the district health office to have the amount reduced.

“Appeals can be made to the district health office, not police, because this is under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

“So, when you go to pay the compound, make the appeal. I believe district health officers will definitely give a reduction.”

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a statement said the government’s decision to increase the compound from RM1,000 to RM10,000 is insensitive and poorly thought out, especially for first-time offenders and those who may have unintentionally breached the SOPs due to confusion surrounding the rules.

“This reeks of double standards, when many VIPs, politicians and government officials have clearly and openly flouted the SOPs without facing similar repercussions.

“This is a clear example that this government is selective in enforcing the rules, with ordinary, struggling Malaysians further victimised by unfair enforcement. This government needs to be sympathetic to fellow Malaysians. Many have lost their jobs, and many are struggling to make ends meet.

“The unreasonable fines being dished out by the Perikatan Nasional government are an illustration of an autocratic, uncaring backdoor government that is still tone-deaf to the sufferings of ordinary Malaysians, although it has been a year since it seized power through cunning and guile.”

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador yesterday revealed that 330 individuals nationwide have been issued RM10,000 compound notices for flouting the SOPs. – The Vibes, March 13, 2021