Moving forward, companies and government agencies can be compounded up to RM1 million if they violate the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), pursuant to the amendments to the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act 1998 (Act 342).
Based on a report by Astro Awani, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin shared that the amendments to increase the compound will also be based on assessment. For example, if the offense is a repeated one, then the compound will be higher.
“The current rule only sets a maximum amount of RM50,000 for companies and factories.”
“For individuals, the maximum amount of compound will remain at RM10,000“, he said.
Khairy further explained that with the amendments, enforcement of the SOPs can be carried out not only by Ministry of Health enforcement officers but also by local authorities.
He added that clear guidelines will be included in the amendments so that there will be no issue of abuse of power and that this is for ‘future proofing’, to ensure a change in behaviour among the people.
What do you think of the increases in fines? Let us know in the comment section.
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