During the Ramadan month in Malaysia, those who practice the Islamic faith are required by law to observe fasting. If they fail to do so, they can be jailed or given a hefty fine.
Two men were recently caught by the religious authorities in Johor for not fasting, where they were issued a fine for the offence.
2 men caught not fasting In Johor, cited fatigue as the reason
Sinar Harian reported that an operation codenamed Op Kesan was conducted by officers from the Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) at three locations in Johor Bahru yesterday (Mar 25).
State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said that a total of four summonses were issued during the two-hour operation, including to two men who were caught not fasting.
He added that the two men said they were too tired from work to fast when asked why they abstained from fasting.
“We have issued Summons Attendance Notices to several individuals in this operation for follow-up action.
“All the summons were issued under Section 15(a) and Section 15(b) of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 which provides for a fine of RM1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both,” he said.
Mohd Fared said such operations will continue to be carried out as a warning to Muslims who intentionally disrespects the sanctity of Ramadan, including taking legal action against them.
“The operation is conducted to monitor and prevent non-compliance of Muslims to fasting.
“Such efforts are to educate and enforce the law as there are traders and customers who openly eat, drink, and smoke during the fasting period,” he said.
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