KUALA LUMPUR: Harsher punishments for violating standard operating procedures will create more problems, particularly with the rise in unemployment amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the Health Ministry's proposal to increase fines for offenders from RM1,000 to RM10,000, physician and health systems specialist Dr Khor Swee Kheng said it would only worsen the prevailing economic gap.
"RM10,000 on the spot fines will open more opportunities for abuse, bribery and double standards. Citizens are already upset over what appears as double standards when it comes to the enforcement of laws.
"What is more important is feedback from the police, criminologists, behavioural experts and lawyers on the best deterrent method," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
For Afrina Baharom, 22, a fine of RM10,000 for violating the SOP was too much.
"Raising the fine can deter SOP violations, but an increase of RM2,000 to RM5,000 is enough, including seven days' jail or a month of community service."
Rogayah Zaman, 25, said the government should focus on educating the public and raising awareness.
"I agree that we need to set the right amount as a deterrent, but RM10,000 is unreasonable.
"Many people have lost jobs due to the pandemic and many are struggling to make ends meet.
"Instead of a RM10,000 fine, the government could introduce stricter regulations or increase surveillance to ensure people toe the line, even political leaders.
"Five months into the MCO (Movement Control Order) and fines are still being issued to offenders. This shows that something is not right with the system."
Nadhirah Sofea Rashid, 25, said any change to the fine should take into consideration socio-economic factors.
"On one hand, a higher fine will make people comply, but then again, we should have people's interest in mind, especially the B40 (Bottom 40 per cent) group.
"With rising unemployment, we shouldn't make it worse for those who are in dire straits.
"Maybe first-time offenders could be let off with a warning."
On Tuesday, the Health Ministry proposed that the fine for violators be raised to RM10,000.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had said the RM1,000 fine under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) might need to be reviewed to suit current needs.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said he agreed that the fine should be increase to RM10,000 as the RM1,000 fine was outdated.
"It is high time that Act 342's maximum fine of RM1,000 be increased as it has been in use for 32 years. There must be an increase in penalties because of the continuing lackadaisical attitude of some people towards the SOP to flatten the (infection) curve.
"Certain quarters may feel that the proposed increase is too steep, while there are those who opine that a heavier fine is needed to send a message that the government is serious in its fight against Covid-19.
"But the underlying message for suggesting an increase in fines is to show that the authorities are very serious in fighting the dreaded disease. As responsible citizens, we must do our bit to achieve the same goal. The sooner the better."
He said he had suggested a tier system, under which offenders would be punished with fines imposed on a linear scale, with the quantum increase to be decided by Parliament.