An unwed couple were recently caught by Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) officers for allegedly committing ‘khalwat’ (close proximity).
On top of that, they were also caught skipping out on fasting during the Ramadan month, which carries a jail sentence and fine if convicted.
Found instant noodles, drinks inside hotel room
According to Harian Metro, the officers carried out the surprise inspection at a hotel at 3pm yesterday (Mar 2).
After knocking on the room door for five minutes, officers were met by a man wearing long pants and a T-shirt.
Upon entering the room, they immediately inspected the bathroom, which was unlocked, and found a woman inside wearing long pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt.
When grilled by the officers, the couple admitted that they were unmarried and working in Johor Bahru.
They also confessed to not fasting during Ramadan after half-eaten instant noodles and boxed drinks were found on the table.
Claimed they wanted to marry
When questioned why they were in the hotel room together, the couple said they had matters to discuss as they planned to get married.
They also said they rented the hotel room by using their combined salaries.
Although JAINJ officers advised the couple to tie the knot soon, the latter were arrested under Section 27 of the Johor State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 for ‘khalwat’ and will be charged at the Syariah Court.
Read about how one woman got into trouble for not fasting here:
