Check and Balance

mohdjamil

Those who breach movement control order (MCO) regulations may be fined up to RM10,000, according to the e-Federal Gazette.

The Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, which was published on the Federal Gazette website on Thursday (Feb 25), stated that the fine of up to RM10,000 would come into operation on March 11, 2021.

The new Section 25 of the Emergency Ordinance now reads:

“25. The director-general or any authorised officer, may … compound any offence under this Act or any regulations under this Act …(a) in the case of a person who is an individual, a sum of money not exceeding ten thousand ringgit.”

  1. Conformity is the key word here.
  2. The decision to impose greater compound on the aberrants of the Movement Control Order (MCO) seems unfair to many people. It was made during the Emergency time and devoid thorough discussion. Technically, rakyat has to be informed about points for and against, the strengths and weaknesses of the imposition of higher compounds for violating the SOPs.
  3. It is merely a fact that the control of Covid-19 requires stern action. However, imposing severe and authoritarian penalties when many people are left stone broken are even mischievous.
  4. For many of us, it takes years to appreciate the principle of “check and balance.” We need it urgently now.

Published by mohdjamil

Born in Kedah. Studied at Alam Shah, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and King's College, University of London. Previously, acted as Head, Dept of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Currently, works as Professor of Psychiatry at Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah International Islamic University, Kedah. Married and blessed with 4 grown-up children.