This story has been updated at 5.50 pm today following more details revealed by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee.
By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 16: As of yesterday, a total of 102 in Sarawak have been issued RM10,000 compounds for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).
Kuching tops the list with 75 compounds issued, followed by Miri (23) and Padawan (4).
According to Deputy Kuching OCPD Supt Ismail Mahmood, the police are not vested with the authority to reduce the penalty amount and all defaulters will have to settle the compound at the Health Department Office at either district or division level.
“We only follow the instruction when we issue the RM10,000 compound. Even though the compound may indicate RM10,000 as the penalty charge, it does not mean that the person must pay that amount.
“The person can go to the Health Office at district or divisional level to make payment. Depending on his situation, the Health Officer will decide how much the person will pay,” Ismail told DayakDaily.
He said if a person has been caught violating Covid-19 SOP three or four times, then it is not wrong for the person to receive heavier compounds.
Similarly, if the person is fined RM10,000 as a first-time offender, he believed the Health Officer will show leniency.
“A RM10,000 Covid-19 SOP violation compound does not mean the person will need to pay RM10,000,” stressed Ismail.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador at a recent press conference, clarified that only repeat SOP offenders would face the maximum compound as the sum is meant to act as a deterrent.
He pointed out the offender may appeal to the Ministry of Health for the sum to be reduced. — DayakDaily
