The Malaysian Medical Association says no other agencies except the Health Ministry are empowered to enforce Act 342 after the state of emergency ended in 2021.
The Act 342 amendment Bill imposes up to seven years’ jail or a maximum RM100,000 fine for individuals convicted of offences, as well as a maximum RM2 million fine for companies, compared to imprisonment not exceeding five years or a maximum RM500,000 fine under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act.
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.
Among 37,662 peninsula-based employers with 152,652 workers’ accommodation facilities inspected as of 30 Nov, the Labour Department opened 1,169 investigation papers, issued 817 compounds, and made 134 court charges.
For once, a government Bill goes through the process of consultation and negotiation with Opposition MPs and stakeholders, like in mature democracies in the UK and US.
Act 342 must keep up with ongoing developments regarding infectious diseases, and allow for better and more effective public and private sector compliance and enforcement.
The Dewan Rakyat health committee, after meeting health care experts, unanimously recommended deferral of the Act 342 amendment Bill to enable more comprehensive consultations with stakeholders.
Padang Rengas MP Nazri Aziz says Umno wants a clear definition of corporate bodies subject to enforcement under Act 342, while Pakatan Harapan will decide on how to vote after the health PSC's meeting.