The authorities have begun to put their words into action as the police had arrested a man for not adhering to the Movement Control Order (MCO) on the 19th of March 2020. Prior to enforcement by law, the authorities were urging everyone to just stay at home during the span of MCO. However, now the authorities are taking actions towards those who are defiant and refuse to follow the MCO.
The New Straits Times (NST) reported that a man in his 30s was confronted by the police in Sungai Petani during a gathering with several other men at a place of worship.
“The police, during a patrol round, found the men gathering at the place of worship and proceeded to order them to disperse under MCO and return home,” said Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner (AC) Adzli Abu Shah.
Insights about the man’s identity and the place of worship were further reported by The Star. The man is a factory worker and he had turned aggressive after he was told to leave a place of worship at Air Mendidih with several others at about 10.30am on Thursday (19th of March 2020).
Upon turning aggressive, the man was then arrested by the police. The NST stated that the man is arrested under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in discharge of his public functions, which carries a maximum two years’ jail or a fine up to RM10,000 or both upon conviction.
“We will also recommend for the man to be taken action against under Section 25 (1) (n) of the National Registration Regulations 1990 for failing to produce an identity card upon request,” said AC Adzli.
AC Adzli urged the public to cooperate with authorities during this critical period and obey the MCO. Public should adhere to the MCO because by being outdoors, they could potentially be exposing themselves to the Covid-19 virus and endanger the people around them.
“The arrest is a message to the people that they need to cooperate with the authorities on duty,” Adzli stated. According to AC Adzli, for those who failed to adhere to the MCO, a fine or court action will be carried out as punishments for their defiance.
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