Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said PKD officers would use their discretion to determine the amount that needs to be paid.

“Appeals can be made to PKD, not to the police because this is under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

“When you go to pay the compound, make the appeal. I believe district health officers will definitely give a reduction,” he told reporters here today.

He was asked to comment on the enforcement of the RM10,000 compound against SOP violators, after the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 was gazetted yesterday.

Elaborating, Ismail said the Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador had explained yesterday that the maximum compound was aimed at repeat offenders and extreme violators of the SOPs.

Ismail said police have to state the maximum compound amount in the summons notice as stipulated in the ordinance and they were not allowed to amend it.

“Take shoe theft at a mosque for example. It’s a minor offence but the charge will be made according to sections in the Penal Code and punishment will be decided based on the section.

“It is up to the court to decide on the punishment and offenders can appeal,” he explained.

Explaining “extreme violations” of the SOPs, he said it includes errant nightclub operators who continue their businesses despite government restrictions on the sector.

Earlier, Ismail attended the armed forces “Cakna Veteran” programme and visited a veteran Md Salleh Ahamad, 70, who is suffering from illness at his house in Jalan Masjid Seberang Pantai Johor, here.