SIBU: Two elderly men were fined RM2,000, in default two weeks’ jail each by the Magistrate’s Court here today (May 11) for failing to comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Wong Lee Kuok, 65, from Jalan Durin and Hu Seh Leh, 60, of Jalan Sukun pleaded no contest to the charge brought against them by the prosecuting officer, Wilfred John Mujang from Sibu Divisional Health Office.
They were found committing the offence at Jalan Lembangan at about 10.44am on July 3 last year.
The offence is listed under Regulation 18(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infectious Local Areas (No.4) Regulations 2021 which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both, upon conviction.
Wilfred told the court that on July 3, 2021 at about 10.44am, ASP Khusairy Bujang led a surveillance team to Jalan Lembangan which was within an infected area.
Khusairy and his team detained three persons boarding a four-wheel drive.
Wilfred said the SOP at the time only allowed two persons to travel in one vehicle.
Since the offence committed was compoundable both men were issued with compound notices for an amount of RM1,500 to be paid within two weeks.
However, both failed to pay the compound within the prescribed period which resulted in court action against them.
In court Wong and Hu pleaded for leniency and paid their fines.
