If the Movement Control Order (MCO) isn’t clear enough, the Royal Malaysian Police has clarified that hiking, jogging and other outdoor recreational activities are not allowed during the two-week period. According to The Star’s report, Cheras OCPD Asst Comm Mohamed Mokhsien Mohamed Zon said that people should exercise at home for the time being.
He added that the Prime Minister’s announcement was quite clear and it’s only for two weeks. He told reporters that once the order is lifted, the public can resume their daily activities as usual.
To deliver the message across, the police will utilise loudhailers from several identified mosques in the district to advise people about the MCO before prayers. ACP Mohammed Mokhsien also shared that people in the Cheras district are taking the order seriously and the police only found people going out to buy their daily essentials at the supermarkets.
In Penang, it was reported that a doctor was found jogging at a park and have refused to go home even after being advised by Penang Island City Council enforcers. Despite being in violation of the movement control order, he refused to leave and have argued with the officers.
Yesterday, a man in Sungai Petani was arrested for defying the MCO. When the police were on their patrol, they found a group of men gathering at a place of worship. Unfortunately, the man had refused to heed orders and became aggressive to the officers. As a result, he was arrested under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in discharge of his public function.
The violation carries a maximum two years prison sentence or a fine up to RM10,000, or both. On top of that, the man would be recommended to be investigated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the local Infected Areas) Regulations 2020 which provides a maximum jail sentence of 6 months, a maximum fine of RM1,000, or both.
Under the MCO, Malaysians are prohibited to go out during the two-week period. This excludes those that require to perform official duties, to buy, supply or delivery food or necessities, to seek healthcare, to make a journey to premises of essential goods and services and other reasons that may be permitted by the director-general. Interstate travel will require police permission and it is only for those with strong and valid reasons to do so.
[ SOURCE 2, IMAGE SOURCE ]
