Set clear rules on SOP offences

KUALA LUMPUR: Experts have urged the government to issue clear guidelines on offences that are considered violations of the Movement Control Order standard operating procedures (SOP), as well as the accompanying compounds.

This, they said, could go a long way to quell the public’s discontent over the maximum RM10,000 compound, which could be issued for SOP violations under the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021.

The ordinance states that companies or corporations that violate the SOP can be fined up to RM50,000.

Criminologist Associate Professor Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said the authorities needed to address the public’s misconception of the RM10,000 compound.

Having the public understand the issue, he said, would not only quell their misgivings and anger, but also elicit better SOP compliance.

“As it is now, the law requires the police to issue the RM10,000 compound, but offenders are allowed to appeal to district health offices.

“District health offices must wisely exercise their discretion to ensure that the punishment fits the nature of the offence.

“First-time offenders must be given the opportunity to repent, so a reduction can be considered for them.”

Sundramoorthy, however, said the minimum compound should not be below RM1,000.

This, he said, was because SOP violations were commonplace when the maximum compound was previously set at RM1,000 for individuals.

“The previous RM1,000 failed to discourage people from flouting the SOP.

“Repeat offenders, meanwhile, must be slapped with tougher penalties.”

He suggested tougher consequences for repeat offenders, such as an immediate jail term, if they failed to settle their compound after the appeal and review process.

“Tougher enforcement should also be pursued against organisations lacking social responsibility to minimise the risk of infection.

“This includes premises that provide diluted hand sanitiser and those that fail to enforce physical distancing.”

On March 11, the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, which raised the penalty for SOP flouters from RM1,000 to RM10,000, came into force.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, on Saturday, said police had no power to write any amount lesser than RM10,000, but added that compounds could be appealed.

However, a groundswell of discontent had been brewing on social media, with Netizens claiming that the RM10,000 compound was “outrageous” and “draconian”.

Data from the authorities, however, suggested that despite the increased compound, SOP violations were still rife.

On Saturday, 109 patrons of an entertainment outlet in Muar were each issued a compound of RM10,000 for breaking the SOP.

The overall compounds issued, worth RM1.13 million, was believed to be the largest in a single operation since the maximum compound was increased.

Crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said communication was the key to remove misconceptions and change people’s mindset.

“Any attempt to change a mindset has to begin with a clear understanding of the reason why a heavy penalty matters and how the situational problem affects an ordinary person.

“In this case, people are confused that RM10,000 is the actual amount that an offender has to pay.

“But it is only the ceiling. The actual amount that has to be paid is anything between RM1,000 and RM10,000 based on the appeal and review process.”

Source: NST