RM1,500 COMPOUND FOR FIRST-TIME S.O.P. OFFENDERS
Varying fines for ‘normal’, ‘moderate’ and ‘severe’ violations under Emergency Ordinance
THE government has changed the system for fines issued for standard operating procedure (SOP) violations under the Emergency Ordinance.
Offences will now be categorised as “normal”, “moderate” and “severe”, with a compound issued accordingly.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan yesterday said that for instance, the “normal” category is for first-time offenders caught not using face masks and they would be fined RM1,500.
Other such offences include those who enter premises without checking-in via the MySejahtera app or writing their names in logbooks, as well as those who do not observe physical distancing rules.
Takiyuddin said the government also decided that companies and licence holders who commit offences under this category would be fined RM10,000, or 20 per cent of the maximum compound which is RM50,000.
The “severe” category, meanwhile, includes those caught in bars and nightclubs, which are not allowed to open. These will be given the maximum fine of RM10,000 without any avenue for appeal for a smaller amount.
Takiyuddin said all this was decided at yesterday’s cabinet meeting, adding that the meeting also agreed that any individual or company wishing to settle the compounds within seven days would be given a 50 per cent discount.
“If payment is made within two weeks of the issuance of the compound, then it will be a 25 per cent discount,” he said.
Those making payments beyond the 14-day window would have to settle the sum in full or risk being hauled to court, said Takiyuddin, adding that appeals could be made via a form on the Health Ministry website.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, who was present, said there had been no appeals yet on the compounds issued under the new rates.
There has been mounting public outcry against the new rates of the SOP compounds with members of the opposition rushing to provide legal aid to those who wish to contest the decision.
Takiyuddin stressed that what was written in the compound was the maximum fine of RM10,000, but this had been misconstrued as a flat rate.
“This does not mean that they were compounded RM10,000 but they can be compounded up to that (amount). While addressing Covid-19, we need laws to control the outbreak. It is not meant to punish or abuse the people.”
Takiyuddin said the health authorities and police have also directed their officers to issue compounds as a last resort after advice and instructions are ignored.
“Compounds are issued based on the law and those on the outside who want to comment on its implementation should understand this. Many parties have tried to confuse matters and say that the laws are to punish and so on.
“I hope these parties are careful and be on guard as these are rules that are based on the laws.”
Takiyuddin also said the government had set up an SOP implementation team comprising the police, armed forces, People's Volunteer Corps and enforcement officers of local councils.
He said the team would be identifiable from their armbands that would read “Team SOP” and were expected to be on duty by April 1.