KUCHING: The higher fines imposed for violating movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOPs) shows the seriousness of the government in controlling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Stakan chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok said previously the fine of RM1,000 was criticised for being too small, and the new fine,, which is quite substantial, was now being imposed to deter SOP infringements.
“However, the fine should be staggered so that the first-time offender would not be fined heavily on the initial offence,” he said on Friday.
He said the new fine could cause a heavy financial burden and affect the financial health of the lower-income family.
“The government must have an avenue for the offending parties to appeal to reduce the fine, especially those in the lower incomes and small businesses.”
He was responding to the amended Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, which stated that effective March 11, those violating MCO regulations would be fined up to RM10,000.
The Emergency Ordinance also stated that companies or corporations violating SOPs would be fined up to RM50,000.
Sim, who is Sarawak Housing Estate Developers Association (Sheda) Kuching chairman, said public information and constant reminders of SOPs must be put in place so that people would not forget to follow the SOPs.
“The public must also be educated that all these SOPs, roadblocks are for their own good and their cooperation is important.
“On top of that, enforcement must also be increased so that the public know our government is very serious.”
He hoped that Sarawakians could be vaccinated until the targeted herd immunity was achieved in the shortest time.
