BALIK PULAU: A snooker outlet caretaker was detained by police today after he was caught spitting on the buttons of a lift at the Idaman Melur Apartment here, on Sunday.
Video footage of the 63-year-old committing the act has since found its way to social media, where it went viral.
In the clip, the man is seen entering the lift and begins counting banknotes. He then spits on the elevator buttons.
Southwest district police chief Superintendent A.A. Anbalagan said that a resident at the apartment, who was alerted to the incident in the residents’ WhatsApp chat group, lodged a police report.
"He (the complainant) decided to lodge a police report fearing for residents' health, more so with the spread of the Covid-19," he said.
Anbalagan said the suspect, who surrendered to police at the Bayan Lepas police station today, admitted committing the act.
"He does not show any symptoms of Covid-19 and tested negative for the virus.
"He is under custody and the case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for causing mischief," Anbalagan added.
Anbalagan advised people not to resort to mischief at a time when Malaysia is facing a health emergency.