Cracking the whip on factories and businesses

PETALING JAYA: The government will heighten its monitoring and inspection of factories and commercial premises where there have been “far too many violations” of the standard operating procedure (SOP), says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said that the compliance operations task force, which has a staff strength of 20, 781, had conducted a total of 97, 561 inspections and surprise checks nationwide.

“On Thursday, the task force checked 2, 719 factories, 15, 981 business premises, and 94 worker hostels.

“From that, five factories and 10 other premises were ordered to close for SOP violations.

“From June 25 until July 1, a total of 132, 633 premises were inspected, with 726 of them issued compound notices, while 75 were ordered to close.

“I hope everyone can observe the SOP in order to flatten the curve as it is our collective responsibility, ” he said in a statement before the implementation of the enhanced movement control order in many parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur today.

Led by the police, the compliance operations task force also detained 636 people for SOP violations, with 597 issued compound notices, while 39 were remanded.

The most common violations include crossing state or district borders without permission and dining in eateries (182 in both cases), not observing physical distancing (116), failure to register before entering premises (94), not wearing masks (89), disregarding directives under MCO (54), carrying more passengers than allowed (25), premises failing to comply with orders (14), and holding entertainment activities (six).

Ismail Sabri said the National Security Council (NSC) has allowed Commissioners for Oaths to offer their services under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan, save for areas under the enhanced MCO.

“The NSC recognises the important role played by Commissioners for Oaths in supporting the real estate industry, banking, as well as other areas that involve contracts and transactions, ” he added.

On the judicial system, Ismail Sabri said criminal courts will continue to run except in areas under the enhanced MCO.

“For civil cases, including tribunals, they are allowed to continue operating online, including in areas under the enhanced MCO, ” he said.

Further information can be found at www.mkn.gov.my.