KUALA LUMPUR – The RM50,000 compound imposed on two sellers in Kota Baru, Kelantan for operating beyond 10pm is not a “death penalty”, as they are allowed to appeal to the Health Ministry for a lower amount, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.
Hamid said individuals compounded for flouting the standard operating procedures of the movement control order (MCO) set to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak could directly appeal to the ministry for a reduction.
“It is not a ‘death penalty’. I have repeatedly stated that they can appeal,” he told reporters at a press conference at Bukit Aman here today.
He said the compound imposed on the affected individuals was not fixed, adding that they were allowed to appeal by stating their reasons for the ministry to consider lowering the amount.
Hamid said the sellers alleged that they were compounded by police even after they closed their stalls, adding that he would find out what really happened.
“I want to listen to both sides. I believe my men did their jobs sincerely, but those who were affected felt it was unfair,” he said.
Recently, a burger seller alleged that he was slapped with the maximum penalty of RM50,000 for operating his burger stall in front of his house at around 11pm.
Days after the incident, a “colek” seller was slapped with the same fine for flouting the MCO and operating beyond the 10pm limit. – Bernama, April 28, 2021
