Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Putrajaya’s plan to raise penalties for standard operating procedures (SOPs) breaches, pointing out hypocrisy in enforcement.

While he agreed with tighter SOPs, he expressed doubt over whether higher fines will help curb the spread of Covid-19.

“I think to strike a balance between health (and the economy), we need stricter SOPs, not heavier penalties.

“Heavier penalties give rise to cynicism and suspicions...