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No warrant needed for SOP compliance checks, says home minister

He says this is provided for under the emergency ordinance currently in place.

Bernama
1 minute read
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Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin. Photo: Bernama
Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin. Photo: Bernama

Enforcement agencies can conduct inspections on the level of compliance with SOPs under the movement control order (MCO) without the need for a warrant, says Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin.

He said this matter is stipulated under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 which was gazetted on Jan 14.

“We are currently subject to the emergency ordinance, we can enter and conduct inspections at premises which are allowed to operate with the government’s permission in accordance with the set conditions,” he said when met after observing an MCO SOP compliance operation at two factories in Puchong and Petaling Jaya today.

He was responding to a statement by SME Association of Malaysia vice-president Chin Chee Seong who questioned the action of enforcement agencies which do not produce any official letter or warrant when conducting inspections.

On a statement by Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers president Soh Thian Lai that the frequent raids conducted by the authorities had disrupted factory operations, Hamzah said inspections were carried out based on public complaints to ensure that all parties adhere to the SOPs.

Meanwhile, on the alleged SOP violation at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) which went viral on social media today, Hamzah said investigations into the matter would be carried out.

“Action will be taken against the officers involved if they are found to have violated the SOPs,” he added.