Only small, private New Year's Eve, Christmas gathering allowed - KJ
The Health Ministry has decided to ban large New Year's Eve events following a second Covid-19 case involving the omicron variant detected in the country.
At a press conference today, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said only small scale privately held New Year's Eve and Christmas gatherings are allowed.
"Due to the second Omicron case and 18 other suspected cases that underwent genomic sequencing, the health ministry would like to announce...
The Health Ministry has decided to ban large New Year's Eve events following a second Covid-19 case involving the Omicron variant detected in the country.
At a press conference today, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said only small-scale, privately held New Year's Eve and Christmas gatherings are allowed.
Individuals who planned to attend these gatherings are required to do a self-test before joining the celebrations.
"Due to the second Omicron case and 18 other suspected cases that underwent genomic sequencing, the Health Ministry would like to announce additional measures to prevent (the spread of) Omicron.
"The organisation of large New Year's Eve gatherings is not allowed.
"New Year's Eve and Christmas celebrations with family members and friends are allowed for the time being.
"However, Covid-19 tests must be conducted before attending these events," he told the media at Parliament today.
Fine-tuning SOP
It was reported yesterday that the government was still fine-tuning the standard operating procedures (SOP) related to the Christmas celebration.
Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has said the focus for the Christmas celebration was on SOP numbers for prayer ceremonies, visits to family homes, live performances, house-to-house carolling and Christmas sale stalls.
Meanwhile, Khairy urged parliamentarians to pass the amendment to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1998 or Act 342 in order to combat Omicron, a Covid-19 variant that is spreading faster than any previous strain.
”We are appealing to the lawmakers to assist the ministry by passing the amendment to Act 342," he said.
He said the amendment to Act 342 aims to deal with repeat offenders, particularly corporate entities and VIPs.
Khairy cited a corporate entity linked to the Teratai cluster, which recorded 7,205 Covid-19 cases and one death between Nov 7, 2020, and April 16, 2021, to show how hefty punishment is needed to deal with repeat offenders.
"The Teratai cluster is one example (which involved) a big company that earned billions of ringgit annually.
"Prior to the declaration of the nationwide emergency, we could only slap them with (a maximum) fine of RM1,000. But during the emergency, the fine was increased to RM10,000."
"The conditions of its employees, be it their welfare and living space, were very embarrassing," he said.
Clear instruction
As for individuals, he said the health guideline gives clear instruction to the officers to advise first-time offenders without face masks.
"Only when it comes to repeat offenders, particularly involving VIPs, we need to have something that will be a deterrent to them. But this will be the last resort," he said.
Khairy said he will discuss with the Dewan Rakyat's parliamentary special committee on health in detail related to the amendment to Act 342.
"If I am forced to withdraw the bill, we are not going to have all the measures needed for us to deal with whatever is going to come in the next three months," he said.
"Other countries cautioned us to brace ourselves for Omicron, which is already in our country. We have to send our healthcare workers, who are already suffering from burnout, back to battle stations," he said.
"The wave is coming. I need the amendment (to Act 342)," said Khairy.
Public outcry
Yesterday, Pakatan Harapan said it would not support Putrajaya's bid to push for the amendment in the Dewan Rakyat on the basis that the bill still leaves the door wide open for abuse of power, corruption, and double standards.
The amendment to Act 342, which was tabled for first reading on Dec 14, is slated for second reading and debate in Dewan Rakyat today. The bill sparked public outcry due to the hefty punishment.
Yesterday, the Health Ministry announced revision to the amendment ahead of the scheduled second reading.
Under the revised form of the amendment, however, the RM1 million maximum compound for corporations is reduced to RM500,000.
The maximum general penalty for individuals violating Act 342 is reduced from RM100,000 or seven years' imprisonment or both to RM50,000 or three years' imprisonment or both.
For violating regulations made under Act 342, the maximum penalty is changed from RM50,000 fine or two years' imprisonment or both to RM20,000 fine or three years' imprisonment or both for individuals. For corporations, the maximum penalty is RM1 million.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.