Own goal: Amateur footballer fined RM800 for exercising during MCO

KUALA LUMPUR: An amateur football player who exercised in the open was fined RM800 in default of a month in jail by a Magistrate's Court here in Ampang for flouting the movement control order (MCO).

Ahmad Lutfi Azizul Rahman, 22, pleaded guilty after the charge was read out before Magistrate Normaizan Rahim on Wednesday (April 1).

The FC Selayang player was accused of moving around within an infected local area outside of permitted reasons at a condominium on Jalan Bukit Indah 3/3, Bukit Indah, Ampang, at 5.15pm on March 27.

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, a team of policemen and a staff member from the the Ampang MP's office were patrolling the area when they found Lutfi exercising near the condo's swimming pool.

The accused was unhappy when he was told to return home.

He was told a second time to return home, but refused to do so. Instead, he provoked the officers.

An officer then gave Lutfi a warning and told him he was flouting the law before he finally agreed to return home.

At the same court, five other men, including two Indonesians, also pleaded guilty to violating the MCO.

E. Diviyan, 18; C. S. Divyaanaidu, 27; Putera Hang Jebat Mohamed Jin, 32; and Indonesians Sahirul Anan, 40, and Sunardi, 38, admitted to moving around within an infected local area without permitted reasons during the MCO.

They committed the offences at Taman Cheras Indah, Taman Ukay Perdana and Wangsa Melawati between March 22 and March 29.

Magistrate Normaizan sentenced the men to RM600 fine, in default of a month in jail each.

DPP Norhashimah Hashim appeared for the prosecution.