SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) nabbed seven individuals for eating and drinking in public places during Ramadan and seven more on suspicion of committing khalwat (close proximity).
Jais enforcement management division principal assistant director Mahdi Al-Hilmy Arshad said the two operations were carried out between the first day of fasting month and last Wednesday.
“The operations to nab those who weren’t fasting were conducted in restaurants, snooker centres and food stalls in Meru, Klang and Shah Alam while the individuals caught for allegedly committing khalwat took place at hotels and lodges in the Klang Valley.
“The arrests were made following complaints from the public and we are in the midst of completing the investigation papers for prosecution in the Syariah Court.
“All of the individuals detained were aged between 27 and 40,” he said.
He added that the arrests of individuals who did not fast were done according to Section 19 of the Syariah Criminal Enactment (Selangor) 1995 and if found guilty, each of them could be fined a maximum of RM1,000 or imprisonment not more than six months or both.
“The khalwat cases are being investigated under Section 29 of the same enactment which carries a maximum fine of RM3,0000, maximum jail of 2 years, or both, if found guilty,” said Mahdi, adding that apart from public complaints, JAIS in nine districts were also monitoring immoral activities during Ramadan.
He called on the public to report to Jais enforcement department by calling 1-800-88-2424 if they come across any Syariah offence.