Amount of fines for violating SOP decided by district health officers, says IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: The police are only authorised to issue compounds to those who flout Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), but the actual amount will be decided by the Health Ministry's district health officer (PKD).

Starting Thursday (March 11), the quantum has been increased from RM1,000 to a maximum of RM10,000 under the Emergency Ordinance.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said while the compounds are set at a maximum of RM10,000, the final amount is at the discretion of the PKD.

"The decision to increase the fines is not meant to punish the people or enable the government to collect funds.

"The amendment is to remind the people that the war against Covid-19 is far from over," he told a press conference in Bukit Aman on Thursday.

Abdul Hamid said those who were issued compounds could appeal to the PKD for a lower fine.

"The maximum amount of RM10,000 is imposed on repeat and hardcore offenders.

"We will track the offenders based on a system that will be set up by the Health Ministry soon," he added.

The offences include not wearing face masks, not maintaining physical distancing, and taking part in activities at entertainment outlets, Abdul Hamid said.

"As I mentioned earlier, our targets for the maximum fine are stubborn and repeat offenders.

"Their names have been entered in the system.

"The maximum fines are also meant for hardcore offenders such as those who flout the SOP and cause the spread of the virus or clusters," he said.

The IGP reminded the people not to be afraid of the law.

"The most important thing is adhering to the SOP and preventing the spread of the virus.

"The law is meant to ensure that the people are safe," Abdul Hamid said.