By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Jan 23: State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is considering granting authorisations to city councils to issue compounds to violators of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
This was revealed by SDMC advisor Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian during his Facebook live session with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
“As of now, only the police are allowed to issue the RM1,000 compounds to violators. We will discuss and then give the authorities to all city councils as well,” he said.
Adding on, Dr Sim who is also Minister of Local Government and Housing asserted that punishments have to be made on those who continue to turn a deaf ear to advice by the authorities on SOP compliance, especially during these dire times.
Thus, he was in agreement with Wee when the latter said to seek approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Housing on taking legal actions against business premises violating SOPs.
“Any business premises that do not follow the SOPs by SDMC will be forced to close down. Whether they are going to close for 10 days or 14 days, it will be up to the ministry.
“So, after we (MBKS) get the approval from the ministry, immediate actions will be taken,” said Wee.
He also stated that failure to comply with the requirement would be an offence under Section 22(b) of Act 342 and on conviction under Section 24(a) of the same act.
With that, the offender shall be liable to imprisonment of a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or both.—DayakDaily
