The Malaysian Insight

MALAYSIA does not need new laws, nor does it need to amend the long existing laws as it may lead to unnecessary public suffering, the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) said today.

The statement came after the government decided to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, which will see heavier compounds being issued for violation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

“We believe that existing laws are not enforced fairly and consistently; we do not necessarily need new laws.

“There is a risk that the amendments may cause even more unnecessary suffering, especially if deployed in harsh, unfair or arbitrary ways,” the group said in a statement.

The act was amended yesterday to increase the fines to RM20,000 and a three-year prison term for individuals.

Previously, offences under this act only allowed the health director-general the power to impose a maximum fine of RM1,000 against individuals for contravening SOP, such as failure to wear a mask in public.

The group is asking the government to reconsider several amendments such as section 14A allowing officers to use force, section 21A giving the health DG wide ranging powers, section 22A, which presumes guilt until proven otherwise, and section 24, which imposes the maximum fines.

If passed without proper scrutiny, the amendments will bring more harm than good, the group said.

“We urge the government to clearly show us how these amendments will truly protect us and how these powers will be implemented in fair and equal ways. Otherwise, the alarming amendments should not pass.”

The MHC is a coalition of more than 70 organisations and individuals representing health professionals in Malaysia. – December 16, 2021.