KUCHING: Authorities must be strict in the enforcement of post movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOPs) through hefty fines and even closure of errant businesses who do not comply, said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa Branch chairman Wilfred Yap.
He said this would be a deterrent of non-compliance of such SOPs for businesses after the MCO.
“The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) can look into compound fines for first offenders of post MCO SOPs, with only the repeat and serious offenders being charged in court,” he proposed, stressing that strict rules and regulations without enforcement were meaningless.
He said this would ensure a fairer penalty for offenders, when currently different sentences or penalties were meted out for the same offence committed under the MCO.
“My fervent hope is that SDMC will decide on stringent SOPs, with emphasis on social distancing, for businesses to follow to prevent the spread of Covid-19 after the end of the MCO,” he said.
He said that while restarting the economy was important, SDMC must still in the process prioritise lives over livelihoods.
“Sarawakians must also be properly informed on SDMC’s exit strategy leading towards the end of the MCO and post MCO due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” added Yap, who is also SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chief.
He cited a recent survey conducted by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, which indicated that the public were ready to continue with the current safeguards during the MCO even after the order was lifted.
“The said survey carried out from April 10 to 24 found that 92.9 percent or 38,455 (out of over 40,000) respondents said they were prepared to adopt such safe measures after the MCO ends,” he said.
