Takiyuddin: Compounds issued for Covid-19 offences must follow govt guidelines

PETALING JAYA: Compounds issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) must be implemented in accordance with guidelines set by the Government, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (pic).

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Parliament) said the government has come up with guidelines to determine the value of the compound and discount rate under the provisions of the Act 342.

This is to serve as a guide for enforcement authorities when conducting compliance checks related to the standard operating procedures.

"According to the guidelines, the actions of a licensee and the owner of premises who fail to comply with the operating hours of the premise is a category 3 offence punishable by a maximum compound of RM10,000 " he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 27).

Takiyuddin said that the amendments made to Act 342 are to increase the compound rates for actions that can be deemed as an offence by causing the transmission of Covid-19 in the country.

He added that the issuing of compounds for any offences under the law including to traders is for preventive purposes to ensure all parties remain responsible in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, which is still at a critical stage.

Takiyuddin however added that those fined can receive a 50% discount if they make the compound payment within a seven-day period after the fine is issued or 25% if the payment is made within 14 days.

On Sunday (April 25) a burger seller at Kampung Rambutan Rendang was issued with a RM50,000 compound for violations of the movement control order, including by operating beyond 10pm.

He claimed that he was slapped with the maximum penalty of RM50,000 for operating the burger stall in front of his house at around 11pm.

Kota Baru district police chief ACP Abdul Rahim Daud said the man also violated the standard operating procedures (SOP) by setting up tables for customers and failing to provide a body temperature scanner.

The incident received various reactions from social media users, and the post was shared over 3,000 times on Facebook.