JOHOR BARU: A food and beverage outlet operator and 14 others have been detained for flouting National Recovery Plan standard operating procedures (SOPs).

       Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the 15 individuals, including a foreign man, were found during a raid on a premises in Taman Molek here at around 9.30pm on Saturday (Oct 2).

       “The suspects, aged 30 to 60 years old, were detained for participating in entertainment activities and going against the NRP’s Phase Two regulations.

       “The business operator was handed a fine of RM25,000 for going against the SOP. He was later released on police bail.

       “The other 13 were issued a RM5,000 compound notice each for failing to observe social distancing while the foreigner was remanded for 14 days for overstaying,” he said on Sunday (Oct 3).

       He added that a karaoke amplifier, two mixing consoles, two microphones, a loudhailer and transaction receipts were seized during the raid.

       The case is being investigated under Regulation 17(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases 2021, which carries a maximum RM5,000 fine or one year's jail upon conviction; as well as Section 6(2) of the Johor Enactment, which carries a fine of up to RM10,000 or a jail term of up to five years, or both, if found guilty.

       Supt Mohd Sohaimi reminded the public to comply with the SOP by always maintaining social distancing in public as Johor is under Phase Two of the NRP.

       “Refrain from conducting or participating in entertainment activities that are not allowed, otherwise stern action will be taken,” he added.