Malaysia

Cops quell phone-theft ruckus at MAEPS quarantine centre

2 suspects held on suspicion of stealing multiple devices in late-night commotion

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 11 Feb 2021 2:26PM

Cops quell phone-theft ruckus at MAEPS quarantine centre
One of the suspects in the phone-theft incident at MAEPS’ Covid-19 Quarantine and Treatment Centre being taken into police custody by officers in full PPE last night. – Screen grab, February 11, 2021

by Amar Shah Mohsen

KUALA LUMPUR – Two virus patients are being held after police were forced to step in to settle a commotion that broke out at the Covid-19 Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) in the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) last night over apparent phone thefts.

According to a police report lodged by a staff on duty, the ruckus among the patients started about 10.30pm at Hall C of the PKRC for low-risk Covid-19 patients. 

The 34-year-old medical officer immediately activated “orange code”, and sought assistance from police on duty to defuse the situation. 

After questioning patients there, she found that several mobile phones had been stolen.

The medical officer said two male suspects were then identified and moved to a separate hall.

Four mobile phones, believed to have been stolen, were also recovered from the suspects. 

The first suspect is aged 24 while the age of the second one is not yet determined.

The case is being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft in a dwelling, for which one can face imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine upon conviction.

Photos and a video of the commotion have since gone viral on social media, showing police in personal protective equipment (PPE) carrying batons and shields, entering and taking control of the PKRC. 

In a series of Instagram stories posted by user Zackery Kry, it is claimed the police were called in after attempts to stop a fight among several patients failed. – The Vibes, February 11, 2021

Another suspect being escorted by police at the MAEPS PKRC last night. – Screen grab, February 11, 2021
Another suspect being escorted by police at the MAEPS PKRC last night. – Screen grab, February 11, 2021

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