MOH is currently the only agency authorised to issue compounds; others, especially the police, asked for their Act 342 enforcement powers to be revoked because they have other work.
The Health DG can only issue compounds after written permission from the public prosecutor is obtained, says Deputy Health Minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.
Lanang MP Alice Lau says proposed amendments to Act 342 become irrelevant with the relaxation of many Covid restrictions as the country transitions to an endemic phase.
The Bill criminalises non-compliance with Health DG’s directives that can be issued in “any form”, which means breaching such orders made in a tweet could be a crime.
Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari says “absolute” powers for the Health director-general can lead to abuse of power; Lim Guan Eng says PH will vote against the Act 342 amendment Bill.
The omission of the proposed new Tobacco Bill and Act 342 amendments from the King’s Speech raises the possibility that the government may not table these Bills in the current Parliament meeting.
The government considers all infectious diseases beyond Covid-19 to be an issue of national security; notifiable diseases under Act 342 include food poisoning, dengue, measles, gonorrhea, HIV etc.
The RIA process, according to the Chief Secretary to the Government’s 2012 circular, requires public feedback and a cost-benefit analysis for all proposed laws, by-laws, policies, and regulations.
Lim Guan Eng says DAP won't back the Act 342 amendment Bill, as individuals and companies should not be burdened under the current recession with heavier fines for breaching Covid SOPs.