Bernama reported Penang police chief Hamzah Ahmad as saying police were awaiting further instructions on the case involving the 43-year-old male doctor.

In a press conference today, he said the case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insult to modesty and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting behaviour.

Section 509 of the Penal Code provides for a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine or both upon conviction, while Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act allows for a maximum fine of RM100.

It was previously reported that police arrested the doctor at a hospital in Penang on Feb 26, following information received from the hospital.

He was remanded but later released on police bail on March 2.

However, he was rearrested on March 6 for allegedly committing a similar offence against another female patient at a private clinic in Pulau Tikus in 2023.

On March 10, a foreign woman lodged a police report, claiming the suspect had tricked her into undressing while performing a heart check-up at the same hospital on Feb 20.

Separately, Hamzah said police had issued 478 permits for the sale of firecrackers and fireworks in Penang from Jan 1 to March 21, including for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

He said police received a total of 486 applications, with eight rejected due to the applicants’ past records and lack of business permits from the Penang City Council and Seberang Perai City Council.

“The approved firecrackers and fireworks are limited to types deemed safe for sale and use, including by children,” he said.