KOTA KINABALU: The severe fines proposed under amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) will hinder tourism activities, says Datuk Seri Winston Liaw.
Describing the amendments as a "wrong move," the Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA) chairman said that it stifles many tourism activities by associations or private event organisers.
"No association or private event organiser will be willing to take the risk of getting fined," he said.
Liaw said that currently, tourism associations and event companies are helping the government to revitalise the nation's economy by organising well-known events to attract both local and foreign tourists to Malaysia.
"SATTA urges the government to reconsider the amendments as it will create a conflict to economic growth," he added.
Liaw felt that the focus of the authorities should be on individual violation of SOP, and not entire organisations.
The Health Ministry is lowering the proposed hefty fines on companies and individuals who breach Covid-19 standard operating procedure.
The decision to lower the fines comes in the wake of the outcry over the initial fines contained in the Bill tabled in Parliament on Tuesday (Dec 14) to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
Based on a document sighted by The Star, the Bill will be amended to lower the initially proposed maximum RM100,000 fine or seven years’ jail under Section 24(a) to “RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years” in the case of an individual.
Also tweaked is the proposed punishments under Section 25(b), which will be reduced from a fine not exceeding RM1mil for a corporate body to RM500,000.
Also lowered is the compound amount under Section 31(3) not exceeding RM20,000 or an imprisonment term not exceeding three years or both.
Under the present Act 342, the health authorities are only empowered to impose a maximum fine of RM1,000 against companies and individuals who flout Covid-19 SOP.