KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Sin Chew Daily) — The government has decided to lower the proposed fines for flouting COVID-19 regulations in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2021.

It is learned that a lower fine capped at RM2,000 or two years’ jail for individuals, and up to RM500,000 fine for companies or organizations will be proposed.

The bill initially proposed a maximum RM100,000 fine or seven years’ jail for individuals under Section 24(a) and RM1 million for companies or organizations under Section 25(b) for flouting COVID-19 regulations.

Many members of parliament have voiced out that the proposed penalties were too harsh.

Health authorities are only allowed to impose a maximum fine of RM1,000 against companies or individuals flouting COVID-19 SOPs under the existing Act.

In a post on social media on December 16, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said both backbenchers and opposition MPs had reached a consensus that the amendment bill was essential in helping the government handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the proposed amendment to the act would need to be fine-tuned before it is tabled for second and third readings in order to safeguard the interest of the people and not to overburden them with excessive fines.

“The amendment bill will be reviewed before it is tabled for second and third readings in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Dec 20),” he said.

Khairy said he discussed with health ministry director-general Tan Sri dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, backbenchers and opposition MPs after receiving feedback on the proposed amendments.

Dewan Rakyat is extended for another day on Monday to debate and pass the proposed bill.