KUALA LUMPUR: The senior citizen involved in a tussle with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) enforcers during a stray dog round-up will say what he needs to in court.
Rajsurian Pillai, the lawyer representing Patrick Khoo Kian Wui, 69, said this after MBPJ released a statement yesterday saying its enforcer had unintentionally struck Khoo with an iron rod during an operation in Petaling Jaya on March 22.
"We will say what we need to in court. We are studying the statement and will decide whether any action will be taken," he told the New Straits Times today.
On March 31, Khoo pleaded not guilty at the Petaling Jaya magistrate's court to one charge of obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties.
According to the charge, Khoo deliberately obstructed civil servant Azizul Azzim Norehan from performing his duties during a dog-catching operation about 9pm at 7, Jalan 18/17, Taman Kanagapuram.
The offence carries up to two years' jail, a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both, if convicted.
Khoo, who was represented by Rajsurian and Tay Chee Fu, was released on bail with one surety.
MBPJ had said no charges had been filed against its personnel as the dog-catching tool had accidentally struck Khoo during the operation.
It said an internal investigation committee had recommended improved dog-catching procedures, including identifying the level of risk to determine appropriate methods to employ.
It said MBPJ personnel needed to wear body cameras during low-risk operations and footage from the operations would be reviewed by senior staff.
It said high-risk operations would be conducted with the police.
To improve transparency during the dog-catching process, MBPJ said it would invite non-governmental organisations and resident associations to join operations.
ENDS
KW: Patrick Khoo, dog catching, MBPJ, Petaling Jaya City Council, crime, court, courts, Petaling Jaya, Rajsurian Pillai