KOTA KINABALU: The maximum fine of RM10,000 for those flouting Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is meant as a deterrent, Sabah Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya said.
"The RM10,000 fine is more of a deterrence, it is not for fun. We have learnt since last March till today, people tend to be complacent when they feel at ease. (The fine) is to make sure they do not repeat the mistake.
"The amount is of course too much, but what is it comparable to your (health) safety?" he said, in reminding the people to adhere to the SOP and register for the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
He was referring to the increased amount of compound under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) which comes into effect today.
The Tanjung Keramat assemblyman was speaking during a press conference at Terminal 2 at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Earlier, Shahelmy represented Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in receiving the third batch of 26,910 doses of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine for the first phase of Covid-19 vaccination in Sabah.
He said every vial of the vaccine had six doses.
For the third batch of vaccines in the state, 7,020 doses will be sent to Queen Elizabeth hospital and 17,550 to Tawau hospital. The remaining of 2,340 doses will be delivered to the Army hospital.
"The first phase of inoculation programme has started since March 4 and it is being held at all districts in Sabah regardless of whether the area's zone is red, orange, (yellow) or green.
"As of March 9, 179,855 people in Sabah have registered as vaccine recipients via My Sejahtera application," he said, adding to date there were seven cabinet ministers had received the first dose of vaccine.
As for senior citizens and disabled people, Shahelmy said they could be registered by their next-of-kin or caretakers via My Sejahtera App or www.covidvaksin.gov.my
For those living in areas with limited Internet access, they can register by calling 1800-888-828 or at the district health offices and Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force outreach programmes.
Yesterday, Sabah recorded 54 Covid-19 cases.