KUALA LUMPUR: The recovery movement control order (RMCO) has been extended until 31 December 2020, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
According to him, with the extension of the RMCO period, enforcement action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, or Act 342, could still be taken.
“This is to ensure that all parties comply with the Standard Operating Procedures and health protocols set,” he said in a special message on the latest developments of RMCO which was broadcast on local television.
On June 7, the prime minister announced the implementation of RMCO to replace the conditional movement control order after Malaysia successfully curbed the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Muhyiddin said sporadic outbreaks continued to occur although Malaysia has been able to successfully control the spread of virus.
It is believed that due to the increasing number of global cases, the pandemic would take a longer to make Malaysia free of the deadly virus.
The government, therefore, needs some legal tool to continue the efforts to prevent and control the spread of Covid-19.
Muhyiddin said action can still be taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 to make sure all parties comply with SOPs and heath protocols.
The prime minister said that he supported the health ministry’s proposal to increase the penalty people caught flouting the regulations.
It would be increased by “at least two or three times” the current rate, but the Act would need to be amended first, he pointed out.
Last Wednesday, the health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah proposed that the maximum fine be increased from RM1,000 to RM10,000. – Bernama
