A MECHANIC became the first person to be charged in Malaysia in connection with the Restriction of Movement Order (RMO) for obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty in enforcing the 14-day order which took effect on March 18, Bernama news agency reported.
S Punniamurthy, 33, pleaded guilty to the charge in the Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
He was fined RM5,000 ($1,125), in default of 10 months’ jail, for the offence.
Punniamurthy was charged with voluntarily obstructing a police officer from discharging his public functions by refusing to produce his personal identification document and pushing the police officer concerned in front of his house last Friday.
The charge, under Section 186 of the Penal Code, provides an imprisonment for up to two years, or maximum fine of RM10,000, or both, if found guilty.
Deputy public prosecutor Jean Siow Chung Hwei requested the court to impose the maximum penalty as a lesson to the accused and also the society.