GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP)'s enforcement division will monitor 120 hotspots state-wide throughout Ramadan, believed to be locations for individuals who skip fasting.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman said the monitoring would be carried out through integrated operations, assisted by agencies such as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP), state Health Department and JHEAIPP's Halal Management Division.
"Throughout the fasting month, JHEAIPP's enforcement division will monitor about 120 hotspots, with assistance from the numerous agencies.
"The operations will also focus on the cleanliness of the premises as well as food handling, compliance with the conditions of the license application and other related provisions in accordance with the law," he said.
Ahmad Zakiyuddin said the integrated operations showed the seriousness of the state's Islamic administration to invite all Muslims to glorify the holy month, which will be celebrated soon.
"Hopefully, with this operations, it will be raise awareness among the Muslims in the state to make Ramadan this year the best of all," he added.
According to Ahmad Zakiyuddin, the objective of the operations is to raise awareness of Muslims through the "Respect Ramadan Campaign" in Penang.
"In addition, it is also aimed at eradicating acts of disrespect towards the holy month such as deliberately eating or drinking in public without any hindrance or 'uzur syarie'," he said.
Ahmad Zakiyuddin said individuals found guilty would be subject to actions under Section 15 of the Penang Syariah Criminal Law Enactment 1996.
"They can be fined up to RM1,000 or imprisoned not exceeding six months or both upon conviction.
"For the second or subsequent offence, one can be fined a maximum RM2,000 or imprisoned up to a year or both upon conviction," he added.
Meanwhile in KOTA BARU, Kelantan, the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) said it will raid several hotspots frequented by Muslims who skip fasting during Ramadan.
MPKB president Tuan Zainal Abidin Tuan Yusuf said the operations would cover restaurants and isolated locations in the state capital.
He said 80 enforcement personnel from MPKB would be deployed for the task.
"We have identified more than 20 hotspots known to be frequented by locals during the holy month of Ramadan.
"Our officers will double their checks at these places and will not hesitate to nab those who failed to respect the fasting month," he said.
Tuan Zainal said action could also be taken against both customers and restaurant owners, especially those opening their business before 3pm.
"We will also take action against non-Muslim restaurant operators if their businesses are open before 3pm, as MPKB will only allow food premises to operate after 3pm during Ramadan."
Kelantan Islamic Affairs and Religious Department recently identified at least 50 hotspots used by Muslims to eat during the fasting hours.
The locations, comprising both restaurants as well as secluded areas, are spread out across all 10 districts in the state.
Twenty of the 50 locations were in Kota Baru, particularly in Pengkalan Chepa.