A cardiologist, was caught in a four-minute video clip arguing with enforcement officers that the MCO was not a curfew, was charged with two counts of offences at the Magistrate’s Court here today.
Dr Ong Hean Teik, 60, claimed trial to both the charges that were read to him before Magistrate Jamaliah Abd Manap.
First count
Dr Ong is alleged to have obstructed public servants, in this case MBPP enforcement officer Muhd Alif Aizad Abd Latif, from carrying out his duties at Taman Bandaraya here about 6pm on March 19, 2020.
He was charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum two years’ jail or maximum RM10,000 fine or both upon conviction.
Second count
he is alleged to have left his house in Jalan Tanjung Bungah to Taman Bandaraya, which is a location within the infection area at the same time and place.
He was charged under Section 3(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020, punishable under Section 7(1) of the same Regulations.
The offence carries a maximum RM1,000 fine or maximum six months’ jail or both upon conviction.
He was slapped with two charges, has been allowed bail at RM13,000.
In a recent interview with the New Straits Times, Dr. Ong defended his action of not staying home, arguing that the MCO was not a confinement order.
He had admitted that the MCO was put in place to prevent crowding which may result in the spread of Covid-19 virus.
However, he argued that a lone walker, exercising, should not be considered as ‘crowding’.
May this case be a lesson and a reminder to all. The movement control is an order to everyone and it needs to be obeyed. #StayAtHome #FightCovid19
Source : NST