Man arrested in Sg Petani for defying MCO

SUNGAI PETANI: Police here detained a man in his 30s for allegedly defying the movement control order (MCO).

Kuala Muda OCPD Asst Comm Adzli Abu Shah said the man turned aggressive after he was told to leave a place of worship at Air Mendidih with several others at about 10.30am on Thursday (March 19).

Police, he said, would recommend that the man, a factory worker, be investigated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the local Infected Areas) Regulations 2020, which provides for a fine of up RM1,000 or six months' jail.

"During our patrols, we stumbled on them and told them to adhere to the MCO and go home. But the man refused to heed our advice and started to become aggressive.

"He has been arrested under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant.

"The offence carries a penalty of up to two years in jail or a fine of up to RM10,000 or both upon conviction.

"We will also recommend action to be taken under Section 25(1)(n) of the National Registration Regulations 1990 as the man has failed to produce an identity card upon request," he said.

ACP Adzli urged the public to abide by the MCO and to extend full cooperation to the authorities during the period.

"The arrest is a message to the people that they need to cooperate with the authorities on duty. Otherwise, we will issue a fine or proceed with court action," he said.