KUCHING: While members of the public agree that the increase in fine for violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) is a good move, they also questioned whether it would be effective.
Based on the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 through a federal government gazette uploaded in the Official Portal of the Attorney General’s Chambers on Feb 25, it stated that effective March 11, individuals violating the SOPs to curb the spread of Covid-19, could be fined up to RM10,000.
Companies or corporations that violate the SOPs can be fined up to RM50,000, it also stated.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to members of the public, state leaders, and the business community to get their say on this matter.
Some said with the higher fine, people would finally comply with the SOPs and take it more seriously, while others wondered if the fine would be fairly enforced.
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Senator Robert Lau (SUPP Bawang Assan branch chairman)
This is a big increase and whether this will be an effective deterrent is hard to say. I believe the authorities have tried their level best to persuade and educate the people over the last one year, yet the virus continues to spread largely due to non-observation of the SOPs especially with large gatherings. I therefore hope those who are not following the SOPs will now take it seriously.
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Sarah Chang (Entrepreneur)
Increasing the fine is one thing and if the government wants to implement this, it is only fair that every individual, be it ordinary citizens or high profile people, be fined fairly. There must not be any special treatment. Also, with the present situation where many people are suffering, the government is making the pubic pay more. Therefore, I think the government should give warning first before issuing the fines.
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Malcolm Lau (Businessman)
I think that the government should focus more on what is the best solution to stop the spread of Covid-19, as imposing even higher fines may not make much difference. On top of that, while the government has done its part, I think that we (public) should also cooperate with and strictly follow the SOPs.
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Alfie Allin (Office assistant)
I agree the higher fine because the previous fine of RM1,000 is just not effective because we still read about people being compounded every day. By implementing a higher fine on individuals and companies, it would hopefully convince others to comply with the SOPs. We need to be strict in order to control the pandemic.
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Robinson Sidi (Assistant engineer)
I do agree with higher fine and hope that the enforcement would be fair. We must play our role as responsible citizens, it does not matter who we are, we must always comply with the SOPs for our safety and those around us.
