Sabah rep: RM10,000 compound more of a deterrent
KOTA KINABALU: The maximum fine of RM10,000 for those flouting standard operating procedures (SOP) is meant as a deterrent, Sabah Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya said.
“The RM10,000 fine is more of a deterrent, it is not for fun. We have learnt since last March till today, people tend to be complacent when they feel at ease. (The fine) is to make sure they do not repeat the mistake.
“The amount is, of course, too much, but what is it compared with your (health) safety?” he said, reminding the people to adhere to the SOP and register for the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
The Tanjung Keramat assemblyman was speaking during a press conference at Terminal 2 at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Earlier, Shahelmy represented Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in receiving the third batch of 26,910 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the first phase of the Covid-19 vaccination in the state.
He said every vial of the vaccine had six doses.
For the third batch of vaccines, 7,020 doses will be sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and 17,550 to Tawau Hospital. The remaining 2,340 doses will be delivered to the Army Hospital.
“The first phase of the inoculation programme started on March 4 and it is being held in all districts in Sabah, whether the area’s zone is red, orange, (yellow) or green.
“Up to March 9, 179,855 people in Sabah have registered as vaccine recipients via the MySejahtera application,” he said, adding that to date, seven ministers had received the first dose of the vaccine.
For senior citizens and disabled people, Shahelmy said they could be registered by their family or caretakers via MySejahtera or www.covidvaksin.gov.my.
For those living in areas with limited Internet access, they can register by calling 1800-888-828 or through the district Health offices and Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force outreach programmes.