Cardiologist runs into trouble - charged for jogging during MCO
Published: Mar 30, 2020 12:56 PM | Updated: Mar 30, 2020 1:08 PM
Consultant cardiologist Dr Ong Hean Teik, who insisted on going for a jog amid the movement control order (MCO), was slapped with two charges at the Penang Magistrate's Court this morning...
We are facing a dangerous pandemic and as responsible citizens we must abide by the laws which have come into effect to help contain the spread of the virus. We are in a virtual lockdown and it is only effective if everybody complies. Of course exercise is important and jogging outdoors is a habit which should be encouraged, but these are not normal times. Movement restriction is annoying but necessary. This doctor of all people should now the science and logic of the restriction order. If everyone had his attitude and wanted to go jogging as they pleased, the parks would be filled with thousands and the spread of the virus would carry on unabated. To my mind Dr Ong was being selfish and arrogant and deserves the full force of the law to be applied to him. He was able to jog and enjoy fresh air in splendid isolation only because other citizens were dutifully complying with the restriction order because they understand the public health reasons for it. Dr Ong has let his profession down. Shame on him.