SOP Confusion Aplenty

Malaysians know how hard it is to keep up with the ever-changing SOPs. 

One minute, the authorities say ‘No’ to one thing, and the next, the ‘No’ becomes a ‘Yes’ and then it becomes maybe ‘Can’. 

So, it’s quite natural to be confused with the SOPs – but hey, you're not the only one: even our abang-abang polis are confused. 

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have come out to admit that the dynamic nature of SOPs from the many movement control orders have left even our enforcers baffled, befuddled and bewildered, Malay Mail reported. 

As a result of the SOP muddle, a lot of Malaysians have been left dissatisfied after being issued with fines for seemingly petty offences. 

Bukit Aman Department of Internal Security and Public Order director Abd Rahim Jaafar (right) told Malay daily Mingguan Malaysia that about 100,000 police personnel and enforcers from other agencies have different interpretations of the SOPs. 

“We can’t deny that when everyone has a different understanding of the law, there are bound to be issues. We are in the process of educating our officers regarding the SOPs during this MCO", he was quoted as saying. 

In any case, Abd Rahim assured Malaysians that overall, the authorities are now more aware of the basic SOPs, and that has reportedly led to a reduction in questionable compound notices. 

All of the above comes about because the language used for the SOPs is not clear-cut, explicit and precise. 

Manchester City took a potentially decisive hold on the Premier League title race as they thrashed Liverpool 4-1 yesterday – helped by a nightmare display from the champions' goalkeeper Alisson Becker where three goals (49, 73, 76) were self-inflicted. 

Liverpool were outclassed and on the receiving end of their third successive Premier League home loss – the Citizens followed in the footsteps of Burnley, who ended the Reds' 68-match unbeaten league run at Anfield, and Brighton. 

The league title is as good as gone.