Deferring second, third reading of Act 342 amendments a good move, says Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: The decision to postpone the second and third reading of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2021 to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting is the right choice, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said that this is because it is important to not rush through some parts of the amendment, adding that it contained "controversial" parts.

He cited these as the proposed fines for individuals and corporate bodies.

"I think it is important for the Opposition and the government to reach a consensus that there is a need to further study the Bill," he said when contacted on Monday (Dec 20).

Lee added that having an exorbitant fine will burden the people as they were being affected with multiple calamities such as the effects from the floods and Covid-19.

"If they impose too heavy a fine, people would not be able to pay for it. While there is a need to enforce the law, this enforcement must be tempered with justice," he said.

The Bill was tabled for the first reading on Tuesday (Dec 14), but saw Opposition MPs voicing concern over the excessive fines and prison terms to be imposed on companies and individuals that flout Covid-19 standard operating procedures.

On Wednesday (Dec 15), the Health Ministry proposed lowering the penalties by half in the wake of outcry over the initial sums proposed in the Bill.

The Bill initially proposed a maximum RM100,000 fine or seven years’ jail under Section 24(a) for individuals who flout Covid-19 regulations. Also deemed excessive was the proposed RM1mil for a corporate body under Section 25(b).

Under the present Act 342, the health authorities are only empowered to impose a maximum fine of RM1,000 against companies and individuals who flout Covid-19 standard operating procedures.