Govt may increase fine for MCO violations

PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysians await a decision today on whether the movement control order (MCO) would be extended, the Government says it may increase the fine for MCO violations.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the current RM1,000 rate is low compared to neighbouring regions.

Ismail, who is also Defence Minister, said the Government would likely instruct the Health Ministry to talk with the Attorney-General's Chambers on increasing the compound to make it an effective deterrent.

"Other countries are imposing higher fines for similar violations.

"In Singapore, violators will be fined S$10,000 (RM30,492) for the first offence and S$20,000 (RM60,984) for the second offence from April 17.

"In South Korea, the compound is RM30,000," he told a press conference today.

On another matter, Ismail Sabri said MCO compliance is at 97% as of April 9.

"The police and the armed forces have conducted 775 roadblocks nationwide and checked 508,605 vehicles.

"The police also detained 666 people while 392 were issued compounds. From the total arrested, 263 have been remanded while 11 were released on police bail," he said.

Since the start of the MCO, a total of 7,479 people have been arrested, he added.