Be humane when enforcing SOPs, PM tells authorities

PETALING JAYA: Authorities must be humane when ensuring people adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) as many are struggling to earn a living during the pandemic, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Prime Minister said that as these people are not owners of big companies but mere burger or small-time traders to eke out a daily living, there must be humanity and wisdom when authorities take action according to the law, so that people are more accepting of being educated on the SOPs.

Muhyiddin said this in his speech at the launching of the Covid-19 Green Community Zone Competition on Wednesday (April 28).

“I would like to urge enforcement agencies who monitor and enforce the adherence of SOPs to use wiser approaches to ensure society follows the SOPs.

“I understand and admit the difficulties of the people to find incomes to survive in this pandemic situation.

“There are some who run small businesses such as selling burgers, snacks, drinks or their own crops. They are not owners of big companies or business institutions but mere licence holders who trade in a small way.

“Such strictness is important to ensure rules are obeyed but at the same time there must be wisdom and humanity when taking actions according to the limits of law so that our efforts to educate the society or community are accepted.

“I hope for good cooperation and understanding between society and authorities to ensure the success of controlling the Covid-19 infection.

“If we remind each other, Insya Allah I am sure the new norms can be our culture, ” said Muhyiddin.

Recently, RM50,000 compounds have been issued to a burger seller and a rojak seller for violating the movement control order SOPs.

Both incidents have raised an uproar on social media as both said they were merely eking out a living and even if the fine was reduced, they would not be able to pay.