Government Mulls Tiered Fine System For Those Found Flouting Mandatory Face Mask Rule
The proposed system would start compounds at RM250 for first-time offenders.
By Alyssa Pong — 18 Aug 2020, 11:57 AM
During the parliamentary sitting yesterday, 17 August, several Members of Parliament (MPs) proposed a tiered system of fines for those caught not wearing a face mask in crowded public spaces
Under this tiered system, first-time offenders would be fined RM250, while second-time offenders would have to pay RM500.
They suggested that only those who violate the mandatory ruling repeatedly should be fined RM1,000.
Image taken in Kuala Lumpur on 3 March 2020, prior to the Movement Control Order being implemented.
Image via Reuters/AsiaOneDeputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali responded to the idea saying, "I have taken note of the proposal and the Ministry of Health (MOH) will bring up the matter during the Special Ministerial meeting tomorrow (18 August)."
He added that he has consulted Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba regarding the issue as well.
The emergency motion was raised by Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, who also presented a petition calling for the lowering of fines
The petition, which 106 MPs have signed, asks for the amendment of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act.
The Borneo Post quoted Dr Yii as saying, "I met each and every MP one by one, including those from different political parties and political divides that signed the petition."
"The proposal also includes the government providing free and affordable face masks, especially to the poor."
Currently, there is a RM1,000 fine for individuals found violating the mandatory face mask ruling which came into effect on 1 August.
The Bandar Kuching MP was also quick to dispel any allegations accusing him of wanting to completely remove the fine, which some claim would encourage people to break the law and put others' health at risk.
"This is pure gutter politics and far from the truth, especially if they read the whole proposal," The Borneo Post reported him as saying.
Dr Yii reasons that the proposed tiered system would be more equitable to the general public
He noted that the definition of "crowded public spaces" was unclear, with several individuals having been unfairly penalised in recent weeks.
The Star quoted the Bandar Kuching MP as saying, "There was a case of an old lady who was issued a RM1,000 compound for not wearing a face mask although she was just about to retrieve it from her car before going to a nearby market."
Similarly, a teenager was recently fined the hefty amount after briefly pulling his mask down to scratch an itch.
The viral video by TV3 caught the Malaysian teen crying after being compounded RM1,000 for briefly pulling his mask down to his chin.
Image via TV3/Twitter @abamihsanAccording to Dr Yii, the RM1,000 fine equates to roughly 83% of minimum wage in Malaysia. This would disproportionately affect students, disabled people, and individuals part of the B40 group.
On Sunday, 16 August, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob indicated that there would be no reduction in the RM1,000 fine
He argued that those compounded could appeal for a reduced amount.
New Straits Times cited the Senior Minister as saying, "It is based on the judge's discretion to reduce the compound."
Amending the act, he added, is both time-consuming and unnecessary.
Keep practising social distancing and wash your hands often. Watch the latest update on the COVID-19 situation:
