KUALA LUMPUR – A Canadian national was arrested last night after allegedly being caught on video refusing to don a face mask while patronising a supermarket along Jalan Ampang.
Wangsa Maju police chief Ashari Abu Samah said the 44-year-old suspect was taken into custody after his statement was recorded at the Wangsa Maju district headquarters.
“On April 18, 2022, at around 8.30pm, the suspect involved in the case being investigated presented himself at the Wangsa Maju district headquarters to record his statement after realising the video which showed him refusing to put on a face mask had gone viral on social media,” Ashari said in a statement.
“Police later arrested the suspect for further investigations.”
Ashari said the suspect is a permanent resident in the capital and is currently employed.
The case is being investigated under Section 269 of the Penal Code, which relates to negligent acts likely to spread infection of any disease that could endanger the life of someone else, and under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act for insulting behaviour, he said.
Ashari said investigations are also being conducted under Regulation 18 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020.
He apologised pic.twitter.com/wJa9EBVeTh
— hyoster (@Nandopaws) April 17, 2022
The suspect was later released on police bail pending the completion of investigations. Further action will be guided by the deputy public prosecutor, Ashari said.
On Monday, Ashari had confirmed investigations into an 18-second video posted on Twitter showing a Caucasian man refusing to use a face mask while hurling expletives at security guards on duty requesting for him to put on a mask.
Ashari said investigations established the incident took place at the Village Grocer supermarket within the M-City shopping complex along Jalan Ampang. – The Vibes, April 19, 2022
