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PETALING JAYA: Not only are people confused about ways to appeal the RM10,000 fine for violating standard operating procedures (SOPs), but health authorities in different states are also facing the same situation.
State Health Departments said they were not authorized to handle appeals or reduce the fine, according to a report from Without chewing daily on Monday (March 15).
The checks revealed that they could not determine the clear process necessary for people to appeal the fine.
Petaling Jaya district health officials have recommended that people apply for a permit to travel to the Ministry of Health in Putrajaya to submit their appeal to its CEO, Tan Sri, Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah.
A check at the office found that a notice, signed by a district health official, said the office could not process any appeals.
Those who came to the office were also asked to prepare their appeal letter to facilitate their request for police permission to go to Putrajaya.
About nine people who came to the office to file an appeal on Monday had no choice but to return.
Those who came to pay their fine of RM 1,000 were also told that they were not allowed to ask for a lesser amount.
Those who did not have enough cash also had problems due to the office’s “cash only” policy.
When asked, the reporter was told that only the Health Director’s office could handle appeals.
However, when it was verified, the reporter was told otherwise.
The reporter’s attempt to contact the Ministry of Health for comment was failed.
When contacted, the head of the Perak Health Department’s legal and investigation division said violators should resolve the subpoenas within 14 days.
Those who want to appeal, he said, can only do so after 14 days.
“The Perak Health Department will call offenders who did not pay after 14 days, collect their details to open an investigation document.
“Once finalized, it will be sent to court to set a date and violators can appeal at that time,” he said, adding that the court will determine the final amount of the fine.
A Kuantan district health official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were not informed about the processing of any appeal for fines for non-compliance with the SOP.
“We are not authorized to accept or prosecute. Those who are fined should be patient and wait for further instructions,” the officer said.
Attempts to contact Pahang’s health director Datuk, Dr. Bahari Che Awang Ngah, were unsuccessful.
In Penang, a check at the Timur Laut district health office found that no discounts or reductions can be given for those fined for not following the SOP.
A notice was also posted, saying that those who did not pay the fine and were later charged in court, can appeal during the process.
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