THE RM10,000 fine for violating Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) can be reduced on appeal as it is a maximum fine, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

The government also has no plans to remove it as the Health Ministry supports it, he told a press conference today.

“The RM10,000 fine is a maximum fine which means the fine can be reduced based on the violation.

“For instance, if one gets a fine of RM10,000 for not wearing mask, they can appeal to the authorities to reduce the amount.”

He added that appeals can be made to the district health offices, not to police because this is under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

“So, when you go to pay the compound, make the appeal. I believe district health officers will definitely give a reduction,” said the senior minister.

Elaborating, Ismail Sabri said Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador had explained that the maximum compound was aimed at repeat offenders and extreme violation of the SOP.

Ismail Sabri said police have to state the maximum compound amount in the summons notice as stipulated in the ordinance and they were not allowed to amend it.

For extreme violation of the SOP, he said it includes errant nightclub operators who continue their businesses despite government restrictions on the sector since the movement-control order was introduced. – March 16, 2021.