ANYONE trying to obstruct doctors or nurses from carrying out their duties will be arrested and charged in court, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister (security) said the decision came after reports of individuals refusing to cooperate with front-liners while they were being treated or quarantined.

“I was asked what is the action that the government will take against certain people who refuse to cooperate with doctors and nurses.

“The government has decided today that stern action will be taken against them under Section 186 of the Penal Code for voluntarily obstructing a public servant in discharging his duty.

“The charge carries a maximum of two years’ imprisonment and RM10,000 fine, or both, if convicted,” he said during his daily briefing on the Covid-19 situation in the country.

Meanwhile, police arrested 1,095 individuals for breaching the restriction order, Ismail added.

Of this, 815 were issued with the RM1,000 fixed compound rate, 242 remanded and 38 others released on bail.

“From March 18 to April 10, we have detained 7,759 individuals for violating the MCO, and of this, 373 have been charged in court,” he said. – April 11, 2020.