James Kon
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar expressed disappointment over the number of business premises that violated the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) directives during a press conference at the Al-‘Afiah Hall of Ministry of Health
building yesterday.
A total of 649 business premises, out of 2,020, violated the health directives and were issued compound fines. Restaurant staff not using face masks when preparing and handling food and premises not conducting temperature checks were among the violations.
The minister warned that violating the ministry’s order is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 204). If found guilty, a BND5,000 compound fine will be issued.
Offenders can also be prosecuted in court carrying a fine up to BND10,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both.
“The ministry will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who does not comply with the directives issued,” the minister said.
“We will continue to monitor and hope that everyone will comply with the MoH directives,” he added. Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also reminded the public to maintain personal hygiene, practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, wear a face mask in crowded places, and avoid public places and social gatherings when feeling unwell.
“The public is urged to use the BruHealth app and scan the QR code when entering and exiting premises. Premise owners are required to display their QR codes.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the situation and carry out ongoing risk assessments to consider further mitigation measures,” he said.
