KUALA LUMPUR – A burger seller in Kelantan slapped with a RM50,000 compound for operating past the permitted business hours under the movement control order (MCO) should have been fined only a fifth of the amount.
Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the maximum fine for businesses that breach this rule is RM10,000.
The offence falls under Category 3 of the government’s Guidelines for Determining the Value of Compounds and Compound Reduction Rates, used by the authorities when enforcing Covid-19 standard operating procedures, said Takiyuddin.
He said offenders can appeal for a 50% discount if the compound is paid within seven days, and a 25% discount if payment is made within 14 days.
“The previous amendment to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) is to increase the compound amount for offences that may cause the spread of Covid-19.
“However, the issuing of compounds under this act must be done in accordance with the guidelines set by the government.”
Takiyuddin last month said the RM50,000 compound is for offences involving high-risk transmission of the coronavirus that will have a large impact, such as pub and nightclub operations.
Wan Mohd Faisal Wan Kadir, 38, who operates a burger stall in front of his house in Kg Rambutan Rendang, Kota Baru, was recently fined RM50,000 for operating past 10pm.
He was preparing burgers for takeaway orders when police came by about 11pm after complaints were lodged.
His story quickly made the rounds on social media, with many slamming police for their “heartless approach” and not using their discretion when issuing the fine.
Bernama reported Kota Baru district police chief Abdul Rahim Daud as saying Wan Faisal violated the SOPs by setting up tables for customers and failing to provide a body temperature scanner.
According to the compound notice, however, the offence noted by police is only “opening an eatery in front of the house beyond the permitted hours during the MCO”.
Asked for clarification, an aide to Takiyuddin said the matter should be answered by police. – The Vibes, April 27, 2021
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