KUALA LUMPUR: The enforcement of the RM10,000 fine for those who breach the movement control order (MCO) as well as those who can trigger the spread of Covid-19 is now effective.
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However, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said those who have been slapped with the RM10,000 compound fine can appeal and the fine may be lowered.
He said police had recommended that repeat offenders and those who cause the spread of the disease be hit with heftier fines while those with lesser offences can have their fines reduced.
The increase of the penalties from RM1,000 to RM10,000 is part of the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, which came into force today.
“The heavier fines are for those who are stubborn by committing offences repeatedly as well as those who violate SOPs, including (unauthorised) interstate travel, causing the spread of Covid-19,” he told reporters at a press conference in Bukit Aman today.
Hamid made it clear that police would only be involved in enforcing SOP compliance by issuing a compound fine and would not be accepting payments.
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“Police can only issue compounds, not collect them. District health officers have the power to determine the value of the fines according to the situation and types of offences,” he said.
He added that those who are fined will be given two weeks to settle the payment.
On the matter of interstate travel, he said he had instructed tighter controls and inspections at roadblocks, especially at state borders.
Hamid said this was done so as to avoid any interstate travel clusters.
He also commented on the breach of SOPs among VIPs and politicians, saying that politicians must adhere to the rules and regulations in carrying out political activities.
“I give an assurance that action will be taken against VIPs and politicians who violate the SOPs,” he added.-FMT