Changes in Infectious Diseases Act will hit vulnerable groups hardest, says think tank
PETALING JAYA: The government’s proposed amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in society, says the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.
In a statement today, CEO Azrul Khalib said there were double standards shown to rule-breakers of different classes, as seen during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“A good example was the wearing of face masks and SOP compliance by government officials and politicians during the Covid-19 crisis.
“Many were given low fines for non-compliance or even escaped penalties altogether.
“It would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in society, likely increase the incidence of corruption, and result in criminalisation, double standards and discrimination of those affected,” Azrul said.
The amendments were tabled for a first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. This is the second attempt to amend the law, following a bid by former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in March 2022.
The proposed amendments include increasing the maximum compound fine from RM1,000 to RM5,000; ordering a person suspected of infection or close contact to wear or use a tracking device; and significantly increasing the health director-general’s powers and authority during a public health emergency.
Azrul said the increased penalties will most likely victimise more people by creating a stigma instead of controlling the spread of disease.
“The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 found that one-in-three Malaysians have low health literacy and are not likely to understand disease prevention activities.
“Punishing people for something that they do not fully understand is wrong, especially when we have not done enough to improve our health literacy and underinvested in health promotion and education,” Azrul said.
He added that based on previous pandemics, good information, cooperation, empathy and compassion are more effective alternatives to saving lives.
