How can bail be made more accessible during MCO?

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Enhancing Bail Accessibility Amidst Movement Control Order Challenges

During the Movement Control Order (MCO), a case emerged of a Sixth Form student from a low-income family detained in Marang, Terengganu, unable to afford the RM 800 bail. This situation highlights concerns that the bureaucratic processes within police stations could lead to prolonged detentions for individuals facing financial hardship. The potential for overcrowding in detention facilities also poses a significant public health risk, potentially creating COVID-19 hotspots.
Case of a Financially Disadvantaged Youth

A specific instance involved a Sixth Form student who was initially remanded in Jeli, Kelantan, and subsequently detained in Marang, Terengganu. This youth's family is from a low-income background. Following the death of his father three months prior, his mother, who previously sold budget meals (nasi bajet), lost her source of income due to the MCO. Consequently, she was unable to raise the RM 800 required for his bail.
Concerns Over Bureaucratic Delays

There is a concern that the time taken for police stations to adapt to ad-hoc bureaucratic procedures during the MCO could result in individuals being detained for longer than necessary. This situation underscores the potential for administrative challenges to exacerbate the difficulties faced by those seeking to meet bail conditions.
Public Health Implications of Overcrowding

The persistence of arbitrary detentions raises a more pressing public health issue: the overcrowding of jails and detention centres. Such conditions can become breeding grounds for infectious diseases like COVID-19, posing a significant risk to both detainees and the wider community. The government's stimulus package, which includes aid for individuals like the hypothetical "Mak Cik Kiah," needs to translate into tangible support that reaches vulnerable individuals, including those detained, to prevent such situations.
Call for Humane Judgment and Protection of Vulnerable Groups

It is essential that the MCO's necessary restrictions on movement are accompanied by the unwavering protection of vulnerable populations. This includes ensuring their access to basic necessities like food and shelter, which enables them to fully comply with the MCO. There is an urgent call for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to exercise humane and sensible judgment when issuing remand orders, particularly for vulnerable Malaysians, to prevent undue detention.

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How can bail be made more accessible during MCO?

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