MARAN (15 July): According to Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, local authorities (PBTs) have the authority to shut down enterprises that breach the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs). PBTs, according to her, could implement the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) as well as the Local Government Act of 1976. (Act 171).
“On June 29, the federal government entrusted to local governments the authority to take action against any party, including persons, corporations, and factories, who fail to follow the SOPs, and they (the parties) can be compounded under Act 342.”
“It can be enforced by local authorities across the country,” she added. “There is no issue with PBTs not being able to close factories because they can utilize Act 342 and supported by Act 171, which provides them the right to close (these establishments) and pursue judicial action against them.”
Zuraida made the remarks at a press conference today after participating in the Community Vaccine Mobilisation (MOVAK) outreach program in Kampung Serengkam and Kampung Orang Asli Merbau.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib and Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker were also in attendance.
Chairman of the Selangor Local Government and Public Transport Committee, Ng Sze Han, reportedly stated yesterday that local governments do not have the authority to shut down companies to stop the spread of Covid-19 because such authority is held by the federal government.
Zuraida stated the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation had given the KPKT and the National Unity Ministry 225,000 doses of vaccine to deliver vaccination to Orang Asli, Felda settlers, traditional villages, hawkers, and People’s Housing Programme tenants.
“The National Unity Ministry will go through the Rukun Tertangga Community in Sabah and Sarawak, where the residents’ chairman will make phone calls to locals to ensure they register and keep their immunization appointments,” she added.
Zuraida said 1,000 residents in the Maran area would receive the MOVAK vaccine during the three-day outreach effort, which started yesterday./n
