A SENIOR citizen pleaded not guilty in a magistrate’s court in Petaling Jaya today to obstructing a Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officer from carrying out his duty in catching stray dogs.

“I understand (the charge) and plead not guilty,” Patrick Khoo Kian Wui, 69, told magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa.

Shahril allowed a RM2,000 bail for Khoo and set June 16 for the case to be mentioned again.

According to the charge sheet, the accused had deliberately prevented MBPJ public health worker Azizul Azzim Norehan from carrying out his duty at Taman Kanagapuram, Petaling Jaya at about 9pm on March 22.

Khoo was charged under section 186 of the penal code for obstructing a public servant from carrying out his duty, and if found guilty, faces two years’ jail or RM10,000 fine, or both.

The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Farhana Fuad while lawyers Rajsurian Pillai and Tan Chee Fu appeared for Khoo.

It was reported earlier that the police were investigating a scuffle between MBPJ enforcement officers and a man during an operation to capture stray dogs at Taman Kanagapuram in Petaling Jaya last week.

The investigation was carried out after both parties lodged police reports.

According to reports, Khoo had tried to protect a group of stray dogs by bringing the animals into his premises, causing the MBPJ personnel to try to stop hm.

In the ensuing scuffle, a dogcatcher’s rod hit Khoo’s face.

CCTV footage of the incident was also shared on social media. – March 31, 2023.