KUCHING: The compounds for violating the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be standardised, said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kuching branch chairperson Datuk Lily Yong.
She said the party had received numerous complaints from the public regarding this issue.
“They all say the same thing – is there a double standard in enforcement? Why are some punished with a fine of RM1,500 while some others get a fine of RM10,000? I think this has made people very unhappy.
“The enforcement teams must be properly briefed on the issue. If they do not know, train them. When they are issuing compounds, they must make sure that the compounds are standardised,” she said during a press conference held via Zoom today.
She disclosed that SUPP Kuching branch had formed a committee under its deputy chairman Bong Lian Huan, treasurer Jong Yean Pin, and youth assistant publicity chief Eric Tay to address such complaints from the public.
She said those with complaints regarding Covid-19 SOP enforcement and compounds could bring them up with the committee.
“We will compile all these and direct them to the state government to ensure that no voices are missed out,” she assured.
Yong said those who placed a complaint would have to provide their name, IC number, and phone number to ensure it was a genuine complaint. Nevertheless, she said the information would be kept confidential.
During the virtual press conference, Jong said many people were confused about the SOPs and thus may have inadvertently breached them and received a compound from the enforcement authorities.
“You can call us and we will try to help as much as possible. If there are any complaints in this regard, we will try to make an appeal to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) or the related authorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bong noted that there were concerns that the country would not be able to achieve early herd immunity due to the sallow progress of the vaccination programme and registration.
“This may be due to the fact that certain people still lack understanding of the vaccine they are going to get, or they have difficulty registering through the various channels such as MySejahtera or the website.
“We are willing to provide a helping hand. Those who would like to seek assistance on vaccine registration can contact us,” he said.
In the meantime, he hoped the government would continue its practice of being transparent in the handling and sharing of data and information on the types of vaccines authorised by the government, so as to improve the public’s confidence and understanding on the vaccine rollout programme.
SUPP Kuching branch and its members can be contacted via the following numbers for assistance with Covid-19 SOP enforcement or vaccine registrations:
- SUPP Kuching branch: 016-2494633
- SUPP Kuching branch (office): 082-244633
- Bong Lian Huan: 012-8978181
- Jong Yean Pin: 016-8864855
- Eric Tay: 019-8899186
