KUALA LUMPUR – The organisers of the 100-day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia programme were only fined RM1,000 for failing to observe Covid-19 standard operating procedures because the emergency ordinances are no longer in effect, said Khairy Jamaluddin.
The health minister said the RM10,000 fine for individuals and RM50,000 for organisations in the public and private sector can no longer be issued because the related penalties had been revoked alongside the ordinance on December 8.
He said he had taken note of the public outrage over the alleged double standards involving the compound for the event organisers, but the violation occurred during a transition period.
Khairy said this is because the incident occurred while he was in the process of tabling a motion to amend Act 342 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 in Dewan Rakyat next week, where a maximum RM1 million compound will be proposed.
He said with the ordinance revoked, the current law enacted only allows for a maximum RM1,000 fine.
However, Khairy said, although the organisers of the Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia programme were slapped with the fine, those in attendance were not issued with any compound.
“We performed a risk assessment and I’m not saying that the organisers were 100% at fault, but they were responsible for a large portion of the violations,” Khairy said during the Bicara Naratif Khas programme aired on RTM.
Most of them who came to the event were seated at their designated seats, but the crowding was at the queues where people paid their (traffic) summonses, so we concluded that the organiser was at fault as it would be unfair to ask the attendees to pay fines.”
In conjunction with the 100-day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia programme last week, the police force and Road and Transport Department offered up to 80% discounts on outstanding summons.
However, the Health Ministry instructed the discount counters at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to be shut immediately for breaching Covid-19 SOPs.
Khairy said despite the public backlash over the “menial” fine, he did not practise double standards as everyone, especially politicians on his side, were given equal fines in accordance with the law.
“During the Melaka election, I was seen as the bad boy because I issued fines to all,” Khairy said.
He said during the polls, former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and an event organiser were fined RM20,000, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was fined RM10,000, and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak received a RM4,000 fine twice. He also said organisers of an event involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob faced similar compounds.
“There were some who asked why the Health Ministry is so brazen, but the prime minister instructed us to issue compounds for violations, so I am relieved he supports our actions so that there are no double standards or bias,” Khairy said.
I know that the health minister post is a hot seat. If we want a popularity contest, we have to find other ministries, but I will do my best because the PM has entrusted me and I will continue (to do my job).”
On the maximum RM1 million fine, Khairy explained that it would apply to repeat offenders who are wealthy and remain errant in complying with SOPs.
He added that there would be specific guidelines on the issuing of compounds to individuals and organisations based on their income level.
“We will maintain the strict guidelines so that (people like) hawkers and burger sellers would not receive RM10,000 fines,” he said. – The Vibes, December 12, 2021
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