He said this following backlash after a burger stall operator in Kelantan was left stunned when authorities slapped him with a RM50,000 compound fine for allegedly operating past permitted hours.

Takiyuddin said that according to the guidelines, licence holders or owners of premises who fail to abide by the opening times under the MCO are guilty of a Category 3 offence and can only be fined up to RM10,000.

Offenders are also entitled to a reduction by as much as 50% if they pay the compound within seven days, and up to 25% if payment is made within 14 days.

“The government has developed the guidelines on the amount of compound notices and discounts for various offences under Act 342 as a guide for enforcement authorities who are carrying out SOP compliance monitoring,” he said in a statement.

Takiyuddin said the issuing of compound notices was for the purpose of prevention, and as a warning to offenders that everyone, including businesses, are responsible for curbing the Covid-19 pandemic, which is currently still critical.

Burger stall operator Wan Mohd Faisal Wan Kadir, 38, said he was approached by five police officers at about 11pm as he was preparing burgers at his house in Kampung Rambutan Rendang, Kota Bharu.

He said there were no customers around when the policemen arrived, adding that since the MCO came into effect, he had only accepted orders for takeaways.