Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador has once again tried to pacify the public, urging them to appreciate the spirit of the increase in fines of up to RM10,000 for violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) starting today.
Abdul Hamid said he is fully aware of concerns raised by various parties as the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 comes into effect today.
“My officers will issue compounds and the sum stated (on the compound) will be RM10,000 as it is based on the (amended) Ordinance. It will also be stated that you will be given two weeks (14 working days) to settle the compound,” said Abdul Hamid.
“It must be reminded that police personnel do not have the power to decide on the sum of the compound, whether it is RM10,000, RM5,000, RM3,000 … no power is given to the police (to decide the quantum). Only RM10,000 will be reflected on the compound.”
He added the high compound was targeted at repeated offenders.
“And if these individuals continue to violate the SOPs, these are the people who will face higher compounds … but not necessarily RM10,000.”
He said the amount of the compound will be determined by the officer who has been appointed by the Health director-general, as stipulated in the Ordinance.
“Here’s an example, if one is caught for not wearing a face mask, he will be slapped with a RM10,000 compound but he or she is encouraged to appeal within two weeks.
“The officer (not police) will then decide on the appropriate sum (to be paid). Perhaps the violator is a labourer … perhaps the health officer or officer in charge of the compound (not police) may only impose a RM50 fine although the compound notice states RM10,000.
“So I hope the public will not panic or worry when they see the sum on the compound. The best thing is to just avoid violating the SOPs.”
Abdul Hamid said police will only recommend a sum to the health officer or officer in charge of the compounds.
He cited examples abroad where people challenged security personnel and law enforcement officers as they refused to wear face masks when entering malls, saying that if a similar incident happened here, a higher compound would be recommended.
“It is not our job to collect money from the people. It’s (our job) to uphold the law and to safeguard the interest of all.”
He also told the public not to “balik kampung” or travel out of the state illegally as police will be strict at roadblocks and come down hard on the violators.
“But that doesn’t mean you can’t travel outside the state. If there is an emergency and if you have the approval, you can travel,” he said.
“The daily Covid-19 cases have been recording a downward trend but we will continue with our strict enforcement at the roadblocks. There will no longer be police personnel sitting on chairs and waving people through. I know this is happening.
“I appreciate the good work by the majority of my officers but I know there are those (police personnel) who take it easy at the roadblocks,” he added.
Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today.
SENIOR LAWYER SAYS ALLAH RULING LONG OVERDUE, CONSISTENT WITH SPIRIT OF QURAN
Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos said the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision to allow non-Muslims to use the word Allah is consistent with Article 11 (1) of the Federal Constitution which states every citizen is free to practise and profess a religion of their choice.
The senior lawyer and founder of Rapera – a movement that encourages thinking and compassion among citizens – told Twentytwo13 that the decision was a victory for common sense and as a Muslim, he believes it is consistent with the spirit of the Quran.
UMNO, PAS URGE HIGH COURT RULING ON ALLAH BE REFERRED TO COURT OF APPEAL
Muafakat Nasional, during its consultative committee meeting last night, urged that the High Court’s ruling on the word Allah, Baitullah, Kaabah and solat be referred to the Court of Appeal.
The loose Umno-PAS coalition said it viewed “seriously” the High Court’s decision in allowing non-Muslims to use the words.
MN also urged the Federal Government to take the initiative to expedite the implementation of a more harmonised legal system within the Federal Constitution framework.
SENATE CAUCUS TO SEEK CLARIFICATION OVER ‘MANIPULATED FACTS’ IN HISTORY TEXTBOOK
The Dewan Negara Caucus on People’s Wellbeing will speak to several parties, including the Education Ministry, two former education ministers, history experts and Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, following allegations of manipulated facts in the Form Four history textbook.
Its chairman Senator Datuk Razali Idris said matters involving education, including historical facts, must be scientifically and intellectually accurate.
The ministry had been urged to withdraw the textbook as it had allegedly glorified communists.
FINANCING SCHEME FOR SPORTS OPERATORS, INDUSTRY PLAYERS
The Youth and Sports Ministry launched a financing scheme for sports operators and industry players who were badly hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The government has set aside RM20 million for the scheme under Budget 2021 which was tabled last November.
Applicants can get financing from RM1,000 to a maximum of RM500,000, with an interest rate of four per cent per annum.
