Man charged with obstructing dogcatchers files suit against MPSJ

SHAH ALAM: The man who attempted to intervene during a dog-catching operation by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) has filed a civil suit against the council alleging assault.

The civil suit by Koh Tat Meng was filed at the Magistrate's Court here Thursday (Nov 7) on his behalf by lawyers Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetaj Singh.

Four defendants were named in the suit – the Selangor state government, MPSJ, council president Noraini Roslan and council worker Mohd Sadruddin Mohd Rosli.

In his suit, Koh stated that he had on Oct 3 tried to intervene as MPSJ personnel were trying to capture a stray dog near his home.

Koh's suit alleged that Mohd Sadruddin had pushed him against a car when the stray dog took shelter under it and pressed his arm against Koh's neck.

Koh is seeking general damages of RM50,000, interest, cost and other relief as deemed appropriate by the court, as well as a public apology issued by all four defendants.

Speaking to reporters after filing the suit, Rajesh said the suit was a last resort after no action was taken against Mohd Sadruddin for assaulting Koh.

"Koh has already lodged a police report regarding this assault, but unfortunately no action has been taken against the MPSJ official who assaulted Koh.

"We have no other choice but to file a civil suit," he added.

Koh, 47, was earlier charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the course of his duties, which carries a maximum jail term of two years, a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both.

The father of three was charged with preventing Mohd Sadruddin, 30, from discharging his duty outside the Vista Millennium Condominium in Puchong at 11.22am on Oct 3.

The incident between Koh, MPSJ personnel, and the dog nicknamed Bruno Puchong was caught on video which went viral.