Covid-19: Cardiologist who defied MCO to go jogging charged

(The Mole) – A cardiologist was charged in court today for defying the movement control order (MCO) when he went jogging at a park here despite being advised not to do so by enforcement officers.

Dr Ong Hean Teik, 61, was charged for going to the Taman Bandaraya along Jalan Persiaran Quarry at 4.45pm on March 19 without valid reason as required under Rule 3(1) Prevention of Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the infected local areas) Regulations 2020.

Consultant Cardiologist Dr Ong Hean Teik is pictured arriving at the George Town Court Complex March 30, 2020.

This section provides for a fine of up to RM1,000 or a jail term of not more than six months or both upon conviction.

Dr Ong was also charged with obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty at the same place at about 6pm on the same day, under Section 186 of the Penal Code.

The second offence is punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both upon conviction.

Ong claimed trial to both charges.

Magistrate Jameliah Abdul Manaf allowed bail at RM13,000 for both charges and ordered Ong to surrender his passport.

She also ordered him to report to the police station once a month and set mention date of the case on June 9.

A video of Dr Ong arguing with enforcement officers at the park was shared on social media, followed by a police report lodged against him.

https://youtu.be/UwDB4BhWoC4