WITH the Government getting brickbats from various quarters over the hefty RM10,000 fine for breaching COVID-19 standard operating procedure (SOP), several Opposition MPs have joined the chorus to end the compound.
“The Perikatan Nasional (Perikatan) Government should just cancel the RM10,000 compound. Focus on improving your delivery and efficiency, instead of politicking during a crisis,” said Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) MPs, in a statement.
The statement was jointly signed by Darell Leiking (Penampang), Mohd Azis Jamman (Sepanggar) and Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Kota Belud).
Recently, the Government hiked up the SOP breach fine from RM1,000 to RM10,000 under the Emergency Ordinance to improve public compliance to SOP.
However, several people have complained of double standards and authorities acting without proper discretion when imposing the fine.
In Sabah, it was reported that even beggars were issued the hefty fines for SOP non-compliance, to the chagrin of the public.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that those who dissatisfied with the fine imposed could file an appeal at the district public health office.
Conflicting statements
Touching on the matter, the Warisan leaders said that the Government was giving conflicting statements on the unpopular move, adding more confusion to the public.
“Though Ismail said that one can file an appeal at the district health office, a report by Sin Chew Daily quoted health officials as saying that they have no authority to review the fine.
“In fact, the additional work will only add more burden to our already overworked health officials,” they said.
Echoing their sentiments, DAP MP Lim Kit Siang urged the Government to suspend the harsh penalty, saying it was eroding public support towards move to combat COVID-19.
“I cannot understand the reasons for the enactment of such a harsh, disproportionate and ill-considered Emergency Ordinance to combat COVID-19, when the priority now is to enlist the whole country in a national effort against pandemic.
“Have our ministers heard the cries of outrage at such harsh, disproportionate and ill-considered laws, purportedly to combat COVID-19?
“I hope that the Cabinet meeting tomorrow will have good news for the Malaysian public,” the Iskandar Puteri MP remarked. – March 16, 2021
