By Ashwin Kumar
SHAH ALAM, April 10 — The Federal government would consider increasing the RM1,000 compound notice as a stricter measure against those who defy the movement control order (MCO), says said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Senior Minister for security cluster said the current RM1,000 compound may be too low as some three per cent of the population are still not abiding by the order.
“The government is considering the possibility, maybe, I am not sure… but maybe the current compound rate is too low. This is because if we look at other countries, the amount imposed is significantly high,” said Ismail Sabri, citing Singapore, South Korea and Indonesia as an example.
The Defence Minister said in Singapore, beginning April 17, the fine for the first offence is SG$10,000 and double the amount for the second offence, RM35,000 in South Korea, and 3 million rupiah (RM825) in Indonesia.
He said the Federal government may request the Health Ministry (MOH) to discuss with the Attorney-General Chambers on increasing the penalty, including adding on the jail term.
“Perhaps we can propose to add the prison term as a deterrent to those who flout the MCO,” he said during a press conference in Putrajaya today.
Ismail Sabri said following the RM1,000 compound imposed beginning Wednesday, 392 compound notices have been issued.
The compound notices are in line with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and would have to be settled at any MOH office within two weeks.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the police, with the help of the Malaysian Armed Forces, have mounted 775 roadblocks and inspected 508,605 vehicles nationwide
A total of 38,854 spot-checks were carried out and 5,538 premises inspected by the authorities.
As for the public disinfection exercise, Ismail Sabri said the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) had conducted 1,125 sanitisation operations in 83 zones, including 24 red and 15 yellow zones since March 30.
