MALAYSIA — Last week, Malaysia’s social media is abuzz with videos and pictures showing Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) enforcement officers allegedly roughing up an old man who was trying to protect his dogs from being captured.
The incident took place on 23 Mar evening at Taman Kanagapuram Petaling, and was recorded by Facebook user Rekha Morgan, who witnessed the officers allegedly assaulting the elderly man on her way home.
The founder of Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR), a non-profit team that dedicated to saving abused animals, had later accompanied the victim Patrick Khoo, and the witness had lodged a police report against the brutal behavior of MPBJ officers in assaulting this man and violently capturing the dogs.
However, in the recent development, Mr Khoo will be charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties.
According to Malaysia’s media Harian Metro, Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid, Petaling Jaya police chief, has confirmed that the elderly man who was involved in a scuffle with enforcement officers from the MPBJ, will be charged in court this Friday (31 Mar).
The police chief stated that the investigation papers have been submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor, who has instructed that charges be filed against the man.
He also acknowledged that the man was injured after being accidentally hit by a rod used to catch stray dogs.
Police received a report from an enforcement officer involved in the operation, in which a man was accused of trying to protect the stray dog by taking it into his premises.
Despite efforts by the enforcement team to prevent the man from closing his door, he resisted their attempts.
PJ MP expresses concern over elderly man facing legal action after alleged assault by MBPJ officer
On Wednesday (29 Mar), Lee Chean Chung, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya expressed his concern overn the elderly man who was allegedly assaulted by MBPJ officer now will be facing legal action.
In a recent Facebook post, he said while he acknowledged that no person should obstruct public officers when they are carrying out their duties, and that the decision by the court regarding this issue should be respected, he will stand by the elderly man.
“At the same time, I am also in solidarity with the elderly man who was at his property, and showed no violence during MBPJ’s dog-capturing operation as seen in video footages shared online. ”
He said the incident has exposed the flaws in the procedures adopted by MBPJ in stray animal management.
“It is unfortunate that enforcement operations supposedly protecting citizens have ended up in a senior citizen being hurt and now facing a obstruction charge this Friday. ”
Mr Lee stressed that the public authority should show consideration, high level of professionalism, care and compassion to all humans as well as animals during their work with the public, as well as being in line with MBPJ’s mission towards a community caring governance.
Additionally, he urged MBPJ’s internal investigation to be conducted fairly, transparently and without fear or favour. It is also high time to reform the spirits, procedures and management of community animals.
