The RM1,000 fine for flouting the rule on wearing face masks in public need not be reduced, as the amount can be lowered according to a court’s discretion.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said those slapped with the compound can make an appeal in court for the amount to be reduced.
“It is based on the judge’s discretion to reduce the compound. The court sets the maximum fine, but people can still appeal for a lower fine,” he told reporters during a walkabout at a wet market today.
From Aug 1, the wearing of face masks was mandated on public transportation and in crowded spaces as part of the government’s efforts to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.
Two Members of Parliament recently urged the government to reduce the fine for those not observing the rule, describing the RM1,000 compound as “excessive”.
Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii and Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi said their petition for the fine to be reduced from RM1,000 to RM250 was supported by 78 MPs from both sides of the political divide.
Ismail Sabri, however, said that amending the act is unnecessary and would take time to be approved.
“We don’t have to amend the act because (Covid-19) is still ongoing. We need to act now. Should we want to amend the act, it can be discussed in the next parliament session,” he added. – NST