PETALING JAYA: A Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officer testifies that he strictly followed standard operating procedure (SOP) during a dog-catching operation that led to a scuffle with an elderly citizen.
Public health assistant Azizul Azzim Norehan, who is the complainant and witness in the case, affirmed that the team adhered to the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s SOP, which allows the use of the loop method in capturing stray dogs.
He was testifying against 71-year-old Patrick Khoo Kian Wui, who is accused of obstructing him from carrying out his duties during the operation in March 2023.
Deputy public prosecutor Lim Leong Hui referred Azizul to his witness statement, and asked him to explain what he meant when he said the accused attempted to block the operation.
“He held onto the rod I was using so I could not proceed with the operation,” said Azizul, referring to the device known as a loop pole.
Asked whether the operation had been conducted according to established guidelines, he said it was, adding: “I used the SOP for dog-catching operations, which is the loop method.”
He further testified that Khoo claimed to be the owner of some the dogs and that he fed them regularly although they were found wandering outside his premises.
During the hearing, the prosecution played three CCTV recordings in court showing the altercation.
Azizul confirmed that the two men seen in the video were him and Khoo.
The incident took place at about 9pm at No. 7, Jalan 18/17, Taman Kanagapuram, Petaling Jaya.
According to MBPJ, the operation was prompted by complaints from residents.
Azizul said none of the dogs there that night had collars or licence tags.
He also confirmed that all MBPJ enforcement personnel involved wore official green vests marked with the MBPJ logo and the Health Services Department insignia.
Khoo’s altercation with the officers went viral after a Facebook user uploaded videos and photos alleging he was roughed up by the dogcatchers.
Khoo later claimed that he sustained injuries to his jaw, cheeks and wrist during the incident.
He lodged a police report on March 24, 2023, accusing MBPJ of assault and expressing concern for the welfare of two adult dogs and a puppy allegedly seized that night.
In response, MBPJ filed a police report and pledged there would be no cover-up, stating that an internal investigation had been launched.
Khoo was charged on March 31, 2023, with obstructing a public servant under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years’ jail, a fine of up to RM10,000 or both, upon conviction.
He pleaded not guilty.
Two months after the incident, Khoo was said to have suffered a stroke.
He appeared in court yesterday in a wheelchair and was not able to speak clearly.
Counsel Tay Chee Fu informed the court that the defence was prepared to present its case and expected to call four witnesses.
Magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa set the next trial date for between June 13 and 20.
