KUCHING, March 15: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii opined the hefty fine of RM10,000 for violating the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) would open up the risk of abuse by the authority.
Dr Yii, in a press statement today, expressed his concern that such a high fine is how it opens risk for certain enforcers to demand “duit kopi” in exchange for not giving out the RM10,000 fine.
“While this does not involve all the enforcement officers where many are being responsible in what they do, but without proper accountability, “bad apples” among them can abuse this law and oppress those who are desperate, uneducated or even unaware,” he said.
According to Dr Yii, after receiving multiple complaints from the members of the public recently, he had been on the ground to help those who sought help after claiming to be unjustly fined up to RM10,000 for allegedly violating the Covid-19 SOPs.
He said they received a few complaints from the public regarding how such “bad apples” allegedly demanded some “kopi money” in exchange for them not to issue such summons.
“That is why there must be a proper system of accountability to make sure that such a law is not abused to oppress the people who are already struggling during these tough times,” he added.
Since March 11, 2021, a fine of RM10,000 has been imposed by the government against anyone found flouting the Movement Control Order (MCO)’s SOP. — DayakDaily
