KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 – Youth Chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki questioned the government on the harsh punishment for those who flout the Covid-19 SOP.

In a FB posting, he asked the views of virtual browsers on the proposed amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

According to him, the proposed amendment, among others will impose a maximum fine of RM100,000 or seen years imprisonment if an individual does not wear a face mask, violates quarantine and being is in a crowded place.

“What is everyone’s point of view? Should it be amended to increase the punishment that is so harsh?”.

For the record, Act 342 now empowers the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) to impose a fine of RM1,000 for individuals who violate standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as not wearing face masks in public.

Until this news was published, there were more than a thousand netizens reacting and commenting on their views.

On average, they do not agree with harsh punishments such as imprisonment.

One said:

“It’s not fair at all because this is not suppose to be the SOP for pandemic. WHO (World Health Organisation) also made a law like this. Dr. Tedros WHO relaxed and spoke at the press conference without wearing a mask. “

Another said every punishment should be able to educate the community. This is ridiculous!”

There are also netizens who are worried that if it is implemented, there will be an element of favoritism in the enforcement.