RM10k fine only for repeat offenders of SOP, says Ismail Sabri

PUTRAJAYA: The public should have faith that the police will use their discretion when enforcing the Emergency Ordinance, especially when issuing fines against standard operating procedure (SOP) violators.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob added that although the fine against those breaching the movement control order has been increased to up to RM10,000, the police have said that the maximum compound would only be slapped on repeat and serious offenders.

“The Inspector-General of Police has explained this. Let us have confidence in them. I believe they know how to exercise their power and discretion, ” he told the media on Tuesday (March 2).

Ismail Sabri was asked on dissatisfaction voiced by the public on the increase in fines against MCO violators under the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021.

This will come into effect on March 11.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador had said that the enforcement of RM10,000 compounds will only be imposed on individuals who breach MCO repeatedly, as well as those who trigger the spread of Covid-19.

He said that the government’s decision to increase the compound from RM1,000 to RM10,000 was not for all offences related to violations of SOP.