Will community service be an alternative to fines for GEG offenders?

Question

Accepted Answer

Community Service Recommended as Alternative to Fines for GEG Offenders

The Parliament Special Select Committee (PSSC) has recommended the inclusion of community service orders as an alternative to monetary fines for offenders under the Generational End Game (GEG) provisions. This recommendation was part of a broader review of the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022, aiming to refine the penalties and enforcement mechanisms. The committee's proposals suggest a shift towards a more varied approach to addressing non-compliance with the GEG policy.
Reduced Fine Amount for GEG Violations

The PSSC has proposed a significant reduction in the general fine for GEG-related offences, lowering it from RM5,000 to RM500. This amendment applies to sub-clauses 13(4) and 17(2) of the Bill. The committee's agreement to this reduction indicates a consideration of proportionality in penalties for certain tobacco and smoking-related infractions.
Inclusion of Community Service Orders

Alongside the reduced fine, the PSSC has specifically recommended that a community service order be incorporated into sub-clause 13(4) and 17(2). This suggests that individuals found in violation of these sections may be subject to performing community service instead of, or in addition to, paying the RM500 fine. This move aligns with practices in other jurisdictions seeking alternative punitive measures beyond financial penalties.
Emphasis on Education and Limited Enforcement Powers

The committee also agreed that the focus should be on educational activities for a defined period, rather than immediately specifying certain offences in the Bill. It was recommended that the implementation of Clause 17 be enforced educationally for three years post-enforcement of the Act. Furthermore, the PSSC proposed limitations on enforcement powers, particularly excluding residential houses from entry for premises inspections and restricting powers related to stopping, searching, and seizing carriers, as well as accessing recorded or computerised data.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Will community service be an alternative to fines for GEG offenders?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends