[UPDATED] Youth coalition protests MoH’s amendments to Act 342

KUALA LUMPUR – Youth coalition Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR) today handed a memorandum to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in protest of amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342).

“The penalties imposed (under the proposed amendments) are harsher than kidnapping, causing death by negligence, and attempted murder,” the group said in a brief statement, last night.

If passed in the Dewan Rakyat today, the amendments will see individuals and corporates found in violation of Act 342 slapped with compounds up to RM10,000 and RM500,000 respectively.

Presently, both individuals and corporate entities are subject to a maximum penalty of only RM1,000.

Meanwhile, individuals convicted in court could potentially face a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine of RM50,000, or both.

Shortly before the group departed, Khairy arrived and engaged the participants.

The Rembau MP said that he had listened to the concerns of various parties including the opposition.

“We will see what happens,” he added, referring to today’s sitting.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also met with the group briefly.

The Port Dickson MP reiterated an earlier stance that his bloc will reject the bill if there were no major changes and negotiations.

If, however, there are major changes, he said “it must not be forced through today”.

Also present to meet SSR were former health minister and Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah, Tangga Batu MP Rusnah Aluai, and Batu MP P. Prabakaran. – The Vibes, December 16, 2021