Mother, daughter arrested after stray dog operation scuffle injures Muar council officer

MUAR, Nov 1 — Police have arrested a mother and daughter for allegedly obstructing and injuring a female Muar Municipal Council (MPM) enforcement officer during dog-catching operation in Bukit Pasir.

The incident occurred at Taman Bintang Emas around 5.55am on Thursday, later triggering public outcry after photos of the injured officer lying on the pavement circulated widely on social media.

Muar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the suspects, aged 52 and 24, were detained to facilitate investigations into obstructing a public servant from discharging their duties.

“During the operation, the two women had allegedly challenged the actions of the enforcement officers and obstructed them from carrying out their duties by attempting to release the captured dogs.

“A struggle ensued before a female enforcement officer fell when she attempted to defuse the tense situation,” he said in a statement last night.

A medical examination confirmed that the 45-year-old enforcement officer sustained bruising to both arms. She subsequently lodged a police report over the altercation.

“Following the police report, the mother and daughter were later arrested at their residence in Bukit Pasir yesterday to assist with investigations,” he said.

Urine screenings conducted on both women returned negative for illicit substances.

The Magistrate’s Court here has granted investigators a two-day remand order against both suspects.

The case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions, alongside Section 353 for using criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty. Both offences carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

Raiz Mukhliz noted that officers are actively recording witness statements and compiling evidence.

“We advise the public to cooperate during any enforcement operations and refrain from any actions that could obstruct public servants from carrying out their duties,” he said.