Police yesterday arrested 24 men for playing football at a Catholic seminary in Tanjung Bungah despite the ongoing movement control order (MCO).

The police, who were tipped off by a resident of a nearby apartment who had taken a picture of the men, made the arrests at about 5.30pm.

The men, aged 24 to 48, were brought to the Patani Road police station where they were processed and released on police bail.

Northeast district police chief Soffian Santong said they have since been referred to the prosecutor’s office for further action.

The case is being investigated under Section 269 of the Penal Code for the offence of committing a negligent act likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life. The offence carries a six-month jail term and/or fine upon conviction.

The men are also being probed under Rule 3(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020, which carries a RM1,000 fine or six-month jail term.

Penang has 94 Covid-19 cases with one death as of yesterday. Nationally, there are 2,766 positive cases with 43 dead.