Malaysian employers to be penalised for flouting pandemic measures

MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. said some employers are disregarding the standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at controlling the pandemic following reports from enforcement units and the public that these employers are stubborn and do not follow the SOPs. 

“These small groups of (errant) employers are giving employers in general a very bad image, and they deserve to be punished. We must take serious action as the image of employers needs to be protected,” he said, adding that these employers vary in size and do not belong to any association. 

He called on the government to review the current Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 where companies or corporations that violate the SOPs can be fined up to RM50,000 (US$12,026), and also to step up the policing and enforcement of the SOPs. 

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“We urge the government to look into this as the penalties that are being imposed seem to not produce the desired results and are ineffective to deter these employers. The penalties imposed must be able to effectively deter the recalcitrant employers, especially the repeat offenders, and not merely just a slap on the wrist,” he said, according to The Edge Markets.