KUALA TERENGGANU: The public execution of six strokes of the cane on a carpenter convicted of repeated khalwat offences was conducted with decorum and in full adherence to Islamic principles of justice.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the punishment was not solely intended as retribution but also served as a form of education, deterrence, and guidance to encourage society to align with Islamic values.
He also said the state government is committed to upholding its responsibility to ensure that all actions are consistent with God's commands and the country's laws. "We extend our congratulations and appreciation to all parties involved in the successful implementation of this punishment, particularly the Syariah Court, the Terengganu Islamic Religious Affairs Department, the Prisons Department, the police, the mosque management, the State Health Department, and enforcement officers. Their efficiency and dedication have ensured that the process was carried out transparently, justly, and with great wisdom," he said in a Facebook post today.
Earlier today, the caning of carpenter Mohd Affendi Awang, 42, was carried out at the A'asim Hall of Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah at 2:50 pm. Mohd Affendi became the first individual in Terengganu to receive six strokes of the cane in public for repeated khalwat offences. The punishment was handed down by the Terengganu Syariah High Court Senior Judge Kamalruazmi Ismail after Mohd Affendi pleaded guilty to charges under Section 31(a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) (Terengganu) Enactment (Amendment) 2022.
Ahmad Samsuri, meanwhile, also expressed hope that the public caning would serve as a model for syariah implementation, bringing blessings to society as a whole.