Cardiologist runs into trouble - charged for jogging during MCO
Consultant cardiologist Dr Ong Hean Teik, who insisted on going for a jog amid the movement control order (MCO), was slapped with two charges at the Penang Magistrate's Court this morning...
Consultant cardiologist Dr Ong Hean Teik, who insisted on going for a jog amid the movement control order (MCO), was slapped with two charges at the Penang Magistrate's Court this morning.
According to Sin Chew Daily, he claimed trial to the charges under Section 186 of the Penal Code and Rule 3(1) of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulation 2020.
Section 186 carries a maximum imprisonment term of two years and RM10,000 fine or both if convicted.
Whereas Rule 3(1) carries a maximum fine of RM1,000 or six months' imprisonment or both if convicted.
The magistrate allowed the accused bail at RM13,000 bail and set June 9 for the matter to be heard.
The court also ordered the 60-year-old doctor to surrender his passport and to report to the police station every month.
According to the charge sheet, Ong went jogging alone at a recreational park and had argued with Penang Island City Council (MBPP) enforcement officers that there was nothing wrong in doing so for the sake of his health.
A recording of his argument with the enforcement officers went viral, leading the police to investigate the doctor for violating the MCO.
The government had imposed the MCO from March 18 to March 31 to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The order has since been extended to April 14.
As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded a total of 2,740 Covid-19 infections and 34 deaths.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri said many Malaysians are still flouting the MCO despite the authorities taking sterner action.
Last Saturday alone, he disclosed, a total of 649 people were arrested.
We are facing a dangerous pandemic and as responsible citizens we must abide by the laws which have come into effect to help contain the spread of the virus. We are in a virtual lockdown and it is only effective if everybody complies. Of course exercise is important and jogging outdoors is a habit which should be encouraged, but these are not normal times. Movement restriction is annoying but necessary. This doctor of all people should now the science and logic of the restriction order. If everyone had his attitude and wanted to go jogging as they pleased, the parks would be filled with thousands and the spread of the virus would carry on unabated. To my mind Dr Ong was being selfish and arrogant and deserves the full force of the law to be applied to him. He was able to jog and enjoy fresh air in splendid isolation only because other citizens were dutifully complying with the restriction order because they understand the public health reasons for it. Dr Ong has let his profession down. Shame on him.
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