By Noor Syahhira Hady
KUCHING: Cases of violence against frontliners by errand individuals who violate the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) period have seen an increasing trend.
In Sibu last Saturday, two men assaulted a security guard who demanded them to leave as they did not comply with the given SOP.
The case was then investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting and under Regulation 10 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020.
New Sarawak Tribune got a hold of the public on their opinions whether there should be more stringent enforcement and laws to protect frontliners.
Julies Lucas, 33 “As everyone are frontliners in combating Covid-19, we must work hand in hand with each other to ensure successful enforcement of the existing laws and procedures in order to protect one another. For the safety of each one of us, it will not hurt to have more stringent laws.” 
Hakeem Iqmal, 25 “In my opinion, the law already existed to protect not only the frontliners but also the public in general, and what’s left is to really enforce it. So, anyone who commits the crime should be penalised with the maximum punishment according to the law because any irresponsible act could cost innocent lives.”
Shawn Wong Keng Loong, 32 “Yes, there should be more stringent enforcement of law. People should follow the SOP as it is important and it helps us to keep the infection to a minimum. Failing to follow the SOP could result in a new cluster as we cannot know who has the virus.” 
Suljirina Lucas, 36 “The frontliners are the most vulnerable during this pandemic. Thus, to ensure safety and security of our frontliners, it is imperative for frontliners to be governed and protected by stringent laws in order to perform their duties and to ensure compliance to the SOPs by the public.”
Ratnawati Lukas, 26 “Violence against frontliners who are relentlessly trying to ensure the compliance of SOPs shouldn’t be taken lightly. I do believe that there should be more stringent enforcement and laws to protect our frontliners, so that everyone will be aware that we have zero tolerance for violence and harassment against frontliners.” 
Muhammad Nur Firdaus Jamal, 24 “Sacrifices by the frontliners in every agency are highly appreciated. I believe there should be more stringent enforcement and rules and regulations where it is effective at keeping people at home and not wandering around for unnecessary reasons. I understand it has been challenging for the frontliners during this pandemic. Thus, the people should also play their part and be more considerate to help to control the spread of Covid-19.”
Danyal Iqmal, 22 “I do not think that there should be more stringent laws or enforcement. Malaysians themselves have to comply with the laws that are given by the government, not run around causing troubles for others.” 
Gerard Jason Nuek, 30 “In my opinion, the SOPs are already perfect and it is the job of the citizens to follow it. However, there are some people who would act harshly on the given law as they might be under the influence of something. It is plausible that the security guards are doing their best in their job but the only thing they need is more backup so that this kind of assault would not happen to them.”
