Covid-19 compounds must follow govt guidelines, says law minister

Putrajaya today said that all moves to impose compounds for Covid-19 offences must be carried out according to government guidelines, with the aim of preventing the spread of the pandemic and educating offenders in order to boost cooperation in efforts to battle the virus surge.

In a statement, law minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 or Act 342 had been amended to raise the amount of compound applicable for SOP offences.

“However, the move to impose compounds under this act must be carried out according to the guidelines set by the government,” he said.

He said the government had enacted guidelines for determining the compound amounts and discount rates under Act 342 to serve as a guide for authorities in enforcing SOP compliance.

“According to those guidelines, failure by the licence holder and owner of a premise to adhere to operating hours is a Category Three offence punishable by a maximum compound of RM10,000,” he said, adding that a discount of 50% would be given to those who pay their fines within seven days, and 25% if the compound is paid within 14 days.

“All moves to impose compounds for offences under the law are simply for prevention purposes and to educate offenders so that all parties, whether individuals or traders, are together responsible in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the community which is still at a critical and serious level,” he said.