600 fined for violating recovery MCO in pub, nightclubs on National Day

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 600 people were slapped with compounds for violating recovery movement control order (MCO) rules in pubs and nightclubs on National Day.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they were among 778 people arrested by the police on Aug 31 for violating standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“This is the highest number of violation cases involving pub and nightclub activities recorded during the recovery MCO.

"Authorities are concerned at the increase in violation incidences, as these activities are still not allowed, ” he said on Tuesday (Sept 1).

Of the 778 arrested, 98 individuals were remanded, seven were allowed bail and 673 were issued compounds.

Among the offences were not complying with social distancing, operating beyond business hours and not recording customers' information.

Police also acted against two individuals who violated quarantine orders and 16 people for failing to put on face masks.

Ismail said that police had decided to include local authorities during checks and raids at pubs, nightclubs and entertainment centres so that wider action could be taken against the premises.

“Police can only issue compounds or bring violators to court. They have no authority to cancel or revoke business licences which can be done by local authorities.

“So, if local authorities officers come along, then they can take action involving business licences and close the premises, ” he said.

The taskforce monitoring SOP compliance checked 63,125 premises, including places of worship, restaurants, hawkers, wet markets and pasar tani on Monday (Aug 31).