In a statement, the PH secretariat voiced concern over the implementation of the new fine structure, including its legality as well as the lack of clarity in the Covid-19 rules and the negative impact it had on business and the people.

It said these concerns have also been raised by Industries Unite, a group representing 110 trade associations with 3.3 million businesses.

“We are especially concerned about the point made with regard to the constitutionality of issuing compound fines to individuals when the details of the offences have not even been finalised,” it said.

The former ruling coalition called on the attorney-general to look into the constitutionality of the matter.

Earlier this week, Putrajaya announced it had agreed to set guidelines for compound fines, including their amount and the categories of Covid-19 offences.

Compound fines now range from RM1,500 to RM10,000, and offenders are offered discounts of 50% or 25% if they settle their summonses within a specified period.

The coalition also said it was not clear how the changes in policies and laws help reduce the spread of the virus.

“For example, what proof does the government have that the initial RM1,000 compound fine for not following SOPs issued under Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988) was not effective in reducing the spread of Covid-19?

“And what made the government think that increasing this fine to RM10,000 for individuals and RM50,000 for businesses will be effective in controlling the spread of Covid-19 in the country?”

It also said there was a lack of evidence showing data from the MySejahtera app is being used effectively in curbing the spread of the virus.

The leaders repeated their call for Dewan Rakyat sittings to be resumed so that better laws, policies and regulations could be introduced.

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