Where's the logic?

Excerpt from newspaper:

Meanwhile, the HDB has relaxed its rules on shop tenants who sublet illegally.
Before yesterday, those caught subletting part of their shop without permission were fined two months' rent, while those caught subletting their entire unit were fined four months' rent. They also had their rent revised to the market rate. Repeat offenders faced eviction.
With the change, those caught subletting part of their shop will pay a $500 fine each time they are caught.
The HDB said it has reduced the penalty due to a decline in illegal subletting. It handled an average of 20 such cases a year before last year. Last year, there were about 10 cases. This year, there were just five.

huh? excuse me, just becos there r fewer offenders doesnt mean u reduce the penalty... it is precisely becos of the strict penalty that's why there are few offenders. This is like saying, since there r fewer murders, we shall reduce the penalty for murder... or since I have become slimmer, I can eat more again.......Reducing the penalty is like tempting people to break the law becos now the penalty fine is no big deal. $500 for each time u r caught.. imagine u sublet illegally for 1 yr, but was caught once... $500 is a small fine, u can still pocket the rest of your illegal rent payments. Or maybe the govt has a hidden agenda. By reducing the penalty and hence 'encouraging' people to sublet illegally, they can go out and catch more offenders, and collect more fines.. brilliant!