RM1,000 fine for MCO-related offences is high enough, no need for increase, says Negri MB

SEREMBAN: The proposal to increase the RM1,000 fine for individuals who breach MCO-related rules and the standard operating procedure should be dropped, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

The Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar said authorities should instead continue to educate the people on the importance of complying with the SOP.

"The RM1,000 fine is already high enough especially when we are in the midst of this pandemic.

"This is not a time to punish the people. Efforts to educate them must continue," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Feb 7).

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador had recently said the current compound fine of RM1,000 imposed on those flouting SOP should be increased as Covid-19 cases were continuing to rise.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had also said the government would be looking at imposing harsher penalties against those who flout the SOP.

He said the government might also increase the current RM1,000 fine by using its powers under the Emergency Ordinance.

Aminuddin, however, said he would support any move to increase fines against companies which breached SOP.

"Companies have no reason not to comply with the SOP as they already have clear and proper operating procedures.

"They should be more sensitive to this as this will allow them to continue with their operations," he said.