KUALA LUMPUR: A lorry driver was sentenced to one month in jail by a Magistrate's Court in Selayang here on Tuesday (March 31) after he pleaded guilty to violating the movement control order (MCO).
P.R. Yugendran, 26, admitted to violating the MCO, which required him to be within the confines of his home by going out without a reasonable excuse.
He committed the offence on Jalan SJ 17 near Gombak at 1.10am on March 28.
The offence under Rule 3(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020 carries a maximum fine of RM1,000 or six months imprisonment or both, if convicted.
According to the statement of facts, Yugendran, who was riding a motorcycle, was stopped in a Covid-19 ops by the police.
The accused tried to flee but the police managed to detain him.
When asked why he was out and about, Yugendran said he was "hanging out" with his friend and was on his way home.
Magistrate Nik Mohd Fadli Nik Azlan ordered for the jail time to run from the date of arrest.
Yugendran was also charged with a second offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code for voluntarily obstructing a public servant in discharging his duty at the same place and time.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence.
The charge carries a maximum two year imprisonment and RM10,000 fine or both, if convicted.
The court fixed bail at RM3,000 in one surety. The case is set for mention on June 10.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Khairunnisak Hassni prosecuted.
The accused was unrepresented.