PM: Jail and immediate business shutdown among stiffer penalties for non-compliance of lockdown SOPs

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 4): The Government will beef up its enforcement of lockdown measures by raising the fines for repeat offenders and ordering an immediate shutdown of their business premises, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today.

The stiffer penalties could also include jail time for those found breaching the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Prime Minister said in a televised address.

He said the Government will amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) to impose stiffer penalties for those who violate regulations in place to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Muhyiddin stressed on the need for strict SOP compliance in factories, construction sites, workers’ hostels and accommodation as well as workplaces since the spike of Covid-19 infections in the third wave came from these places.

“The latest data showed that 59% of Covid-19 infections spread in the workplaces, 19% in detention centres, 14% in residences, 5% in religious places and activities as well as 2% of imported cases and risk groups respectively.

“I would like to remind that the Government will not hesitate to take stern action against any party that violates the rules or SOPs in force,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that as of yesterday, the  Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s (MITI) Special Task Force had visited 2,276 premises nationwide.

“Of this, 197 premises were reprimanded and 34 were ordered to close for non-compliance with the prescribed SOPs. The PDRM [Royal Malaysia Police] has also issued compounds on 82,141 individuals and made 31,740 arrests for various offences,” he said.

Muhyiddin also reminded employers that employees who tested positive for Covid-19 and are undergoing home quarantine should not be forced to go to work as the pandemic may spread.  

“They [employees] must be immediately isolated and reported to the Ministry of Health for treatment or home quarantine.

“Close contact detection among employees must also be done immediately. They must undergo Covid-19 screening tests and undergo home quarantine,” he said.

“I urge the industry and the public to comply strictly with the SOPs imposed by the Government,” the Prime Minister said.

“The Government listened to your views by not shutting down the economy during the current Movement Control Order period.

“So, please reciprocate this gesture by complying strictly with the SOPs so that we can ensure business and trade will continue to operate while at the same time help break the chain of Covid-19 transmission at the workplace and in the community.”

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