MCO-Related Offences & Fines Now Sorted Into Categories; 50% Off For Paying Fines Early Too

Categories for MCO-related offences and fines

We’ve all been doing our best to adhere to SOPs since the Movement Control Order was enforced exactly a year ago. But recent news of individuals getting hit with RM10,000 fines for minor offences – such as not checking in for contact tracing – has drawn even more attention to the issue of SOP compliance.

Luckily, the government has since outlined MCO-related offences that’ll warrant a RM10K fine, and minor ones that will not. This comes after an earlier announcement that discussions for these fines were in the works to clear up confusion after a whopping 600 individuals were fined RM10K in just 2 days.

Offences now sorted into 3 categories

No longer will a failure to wear a mask land you an RM10,000 fine, as MCO-related offences and fines are now sorted into 3 categories – based on the risk level of COVID-19 spread and its impact in communities. Not wearing a mask is classified in the less severe 3rd category.

MCO related fines now sorted in categories - SOPs
Image (for illustration purposes only) credit: GSC

This was announced by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, in a press conference yesterday, 17th March, as reported by The Star.

While not a definite list as of yet, you’ll want to take note of the categories in the meantime so you don’t end up with a fine of any amount.

Category One – offences with high risk of transmission and impact

Pubs or nightclubs operating during the MCO – RM50,000
Individuals visiting a pub or nightclub, for food or other reasons – RM10,000
Private medical practitioners who don’t inform the Ministry of Health of Malaysia (KKM) of positive COVID-19 cases – RM5,000
Failure to listen to authorities, and COVID-19 positive individuals and Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) who don’t follow health officers’ instructions – RM5,000

Category Two – high risk of transmission but low impact

Not disclosing information that will help contain the spread of COVID-19 – RM4,000 for individuals, and RM20,000 for companies
Failure to listen to authorities while inside Enhanced MCO area – RM4,000
Entry without permission into an EMCO area – RM3,000

Category Three – low risk of transmission and impact

Businesses operating past standard opening hours during the MCO – RM10,000
Not wearing a face mask – RM1,500 for first-time offences
Not registering details through MySejahtera or logbooks – RM1,500 for first-time offences
Not physical distancing – RM1,500

Discounts on fines for early birds

Nobody wants to end up with a fine, but if you do end up with one, you’ll now have ways to cut down the hefty sums that come with MCO-related offences. This is because all fines stemming from MCO-related offences are now subject to discounts if paid in a timely manner, as reported by Malay Mail.

Pay fines within 7 days, or a week, and you’ll get a 50% discount. For example, if faced with a RM1,500 fine, you’ll only have to pay RM750. This also applies to RM10,000 fines for individuals, and RM50,000 fines for companies.

MCO related fines now sorted in categories - fines
Image credit: The Smart Local Singapore

If you’re not able to pay your fines within the week, there’ll still be a 25% discount for fines paid within 14 days, or 2 weeks. After this grace period, however, you’ll be subject to paying the full fine.

Nonetheless, those who cannot afford to pay due to financial difficulties or pre-existing medical conditions can appeal with the Health Ministry to have their fines lowered. This may be granted if relevant documents can be presented to attest to your case.

MCO-related offences and fines sorted into categories

Many have been issued fines of up to RM10,000 since its enforcement, with a recent case of a 17-year-old Melakan teen hit with a RM10K fine for not registering his details while at a grocery store, as reported by The Star.

So this list outlining categories for offences comes in a timely manner, and is a reminder for us all to adhere to SOPs to the best that we can while we wait our turns for the vaccines.