Businesses ask for chance to explain before being issued fine

BUSINESS proprietors in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur are appealing for a chance to give their explanation before being issued with compounds for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures.

Kepong Community Service Centre head Yee Poh Ping said he received several complaints from business owners who were fined for minor offences.

“The general public is not clear of the rules that are constantly changing throughout the various phases of the movement control order.

“An aggressive enforcement will cause more financial burden on businesses that are already struggling amid the economic uncertainty, ” he said.

Yee said a restaurateur was fined RM10,000 for failing to provide hand sanitiser at the entrance of their premises.

“The owner was unaware that a customer had mistakenly taken the bottle of hand sanitiser to his table and forgot to put it back.

Yee (right) checking on an eatery near the Kepong Metro Prima business area for SOP compliance.

“A carwash operator was also fined RM10,000 when enforcement authorities found his temperature scanner had malfunctioned.

“He paid the fine after appealing at the district health office and receiving a 50% discount, ” he said.

Yee said several proprietors were holding off on paying the fine in hopes that the government would offer a reduction in the amount.

He urged the authorities to be lenient and listen to the plight of business owners before issuing compounds.

“Meanwhile, proprietors must ensure that they provide all the necessary equipment at the premises for their patrons, ” he added.

Sentul district police chief Asst Comm Beh Eng Lai told StarMetro that they would not let up on their enforcement.

“We have made regular announcements during rounds to check on SOP compliance. This is not a secret.

“Following SOP is everyone’s responsibility which has been made clear since the start of the MCO on March 18 last year, ” he said.

Beh said police officers made their rounds as early as 7am until late at night in teams.

He warned that court action awaited those who failed to settle their fines within two weeks.