'Indecent' runners plead guilty, court slaps each with RM5,000 fine
Two men accused of engaging in indecent and obscene behaviour during the 2024 Pan Asia International Run event in Kota Tinggi on Friday have pleaded guilty to a charge of public indecency.
The duo, Indian national Satyanarayana Prasad Papoli, 70, and Taiwanese Arthur Wang, 66, were then fined RM5,000 each by the Kota Tinggi Magistrate’s Court.
According to The Star, the two were charged under Section 294 of the Penal Code and accused of committing an obscene act that...
Two men accused of engaging in indecent and obscene behaviour during the 2024 Pan Asia International Run event in Kota Tinggi on Friday have pleaded guilty to a charge of public indecency.
The duo, Indian national Satyanarayana Prasad Papoli, 70, and Taiwanese Arthur Wang, 66, were then fined RM5,000 each by the Kota Tinggi Magistrate’s Court.
According to The Star, the two were charged under Section 294 of the Penal Code and accused of committing an obscene act that caused disturbance to others in a public place by wearing indecent clothing.
Both men were not represented and paid the fine.
Wang, in his defence, indicated that he was wearing the traditional clothing of the indigenous people of Orchid Island in Taiwan.
“For the past 10 years, I have been promoting the aboriginal culture of Orchid Island in Taiwan. Had I known that the clothing (would be regarded as) indecent (here), I would not have worn it.
“I would like to apologise to the people of this country and Malaysians in general, and I promise that I will not repeat this mistake,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Satyanarayana - who wore a saree during the event - said wearing women's clothing during hash runs was not unusual.
“I came here with the pure intention of doing charity. However, I admit my mistake of wearing women's clothing," he said.
Photos of Wong, Satyanarayana and a local man wearing a housecoat from the Friday run had caused a public outcry, following which all three were arrested.
Among the items seized were a red saree, a red skirt, three pieces of silver-coloured cardboard and a silver imitation spear, believed to have been used as costumes during the run.
The organisers had said that the run was supposed to be a "fun event", but local authorities said that the event did not get approval.
