KOTA BARU – A burger seller, a “colek” seller, and a sundry shop owner, all of whom were slapped with a RM50,000 compound each, can now breathe a sigh of relief after learning the fines will be reduced.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat said in a statement today that the decision was reached after discussions between police and the Kelantan Health Department yesterday.
He said Kelantan police will take action according to the guidelines on compound discounts set under Act 342, or the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
He said the state Health Department had the power to offer a reduced rate for compounds as outlined in the guidelines.
“Referring to the compounds dated April 26, 2021, which were issued to a burger seller, a colek seller, and a sundry shop owner, the Health Department has informed all the premise owners that the amount of the compounds would be reconsidered as per the guidelines,” he said.
According to him, other individuals and premises that were issued compounds previously are advised to appeal to the Kelantan Health Department for discounts.
Shafien also reminded all Kelantanese to comply with the standard operating procedures issued by the National Security Council to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Colek seller Mohd Azizi Mohd Nor, 42, when contacted, said he wanted the issue to be settled as soon as possible.
“What I can say is that I can only afford to pay RM1,000. RM50,000 or RM10,000 is far from what I can afford.
“Currently, what I’m worried about is going to jail, although my offence isn’t a criminal one,” he said, adding that he had yet to resume trading after the compound issue went viral a few days ago. – Bernama, April 29, 2021
