[UPDATED] Fines for not updating MySejahtera must be cancelled: Ismail Sabri

KUALA LUMPUR – Not updating one’s MySejahtera app is not an offence, said Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, adding that any compound issued for this must be cancelled.

In a statement today, he said not updating the app is not an offence under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

Enforcement officers should be mindful not to wrongly interpret the Covid-19 standard operating procedures issued by the government, he said.

“This includes SOPs on violating company and factory operating hours. If business owners and companies are found to be in breach of the rules, by forcing staff to work beyond the stated hours, enforcement action must be taken.

“This is not workers’ fault, as they are forced to abide by the instructions given by their employers. So, the compounds issued in these cases should be directed at the companies, factories and employers.

“This goes for companies that insist on their staff working on-site or in the office despite (government) directives to work from home. Compounds should be issued to the employers.”

He said all the confusion and misunderstanding that have arisen can be resolved.

“I ask for understanding from all parties as we work together to curb the pandemic.”

Ismail Sabri said it is advisable to update one’s health status on MySejahtera to aid the government’s efforts to monitor the spread of Covid-19.

The app is not just for use when checking in at premises, he said, but people are also advised to update it based on their movements throughout the day.

“We not only have to be honest, but also provide accurate information, especially when it comes to having symptoms or being linked to Covid-19 patients.

“The app allows the government to act swiftly on confirmed cases, close and casual contacts, and others.” 

Earlier today, the National Security Council clarified that there is no need to update one’s Covid-19 status on MySejahtera daily. 

Its director-general, Datuk Mohd Rabin Basir, said the requirement to update the said status applies only to those experiencing symptoms or travelling overseas.

A fake message reminding users to update MySejahtera daily was circulating on social media over the weekend, warning that failure to do so would result in a RM1,000 fine.

Public fears were compounded when a video clip surfaced of a police officer saying MySejahtera users must update their status every day or risk a RM2,000 fine.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said 41 compounds have been issued to business premises for failing to comply with the SOPs from June 1 to date.

He also said several localities in Sabah will be placed under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) from June 9 to 22.

They are Taman Perdana, Lahad Datu; Kg Narandang, Kudat; and Kg Tanjung Batu Darat, Taman Apas Permai, Bandar Sri Indah, Taman Megah Jaya, and Jalan Budi, Sri Tanjung in Tawau.

The EMCO will also be imposed on Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah, Muallim, Perak during the same period.

Ismail Sabri said that the EMCO at Taman Seri Ketiau and Taman Desa Seri Ketiau in Putatan; Kg Sg Imam, Tawau, Sabah, and at three sub-districts in Lipis, Pahang will be lifted tomorrow as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the EMCO at Bandar Triang, Bera, Pahang which was scheduled to end on June 11 will also end tomorrow. – The Vibes, June 7, 2021