KUCHING, March 14: The government should make standard operating procedures (SOPs) violators serve community service and incorporate promoting Covid-19 awareness into SOP penalties.
Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations president Datuk Richard Wee expressed this when he said the RM10,000 compound for SOP flouters could be too heavy of a fine for low-income groups.
He added such heavy compounds could lead to social problems when certain people are forced to face jail sentences because they could not afford to settle their fines.
Sometimes, he noted, people are not deliberately violating the SOPs but they forget to wear face masks before heading out.
“The hefty fine of RM10,000 is not affordable by all social classes. Besides, can such heavy penalties truly raise awareness? This is worth a thought,” he said in a statement today.
Urging the government to review the relevant regulations, Wee opined that first time offenders should be fined RM1,000 and authorities should only increase subsequent fines for repeat offenders, as not all ought to be punished severely.
Adding on, he urged the police to issue these compounds humanely and reasonably according to the situation, and not with the aim of bankrupting the people.
“According to legal procedures, the penalty for SOP violators is not to be more than RM10,000.
“This means that the authorities have the power to issue compounds at their discretion,” he said. — DayakDaily
