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AN e-hailing driver’s attempt to hide in the ceiling of a woman’s home ended in arrest on Thursday after he was suspected of committing adultery with a married woman, according to the Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ).
The couple, both in their 30s, were detained by officers and enforcement personnel from JAINJ following complaints and public reports at a terraced house in Kluang at 10.30am.
During the raid, the man was discovered clinging to a ceiling beam after a failed escape through the back door, which was blocked by authorities who had surrounded the property.
JAINJ stated that the operation followed reports about the frequency of the man’s visits to the woman’s home while her husband was at work and their child was at school.
“On the day of the arrest, the man parked his car about a kilometre away from the woman’s house to avoid detection by neighbours and enforcement officers,” the statement said.
“When officers arrived at the premises, only the woman’s car was found, and the front gate was unlocked. Two officers were assigned to guard the back door in case either of them attempted to flee.
“We also noticed the woman’s car engine was still warm, as she had just picked him up from the location where his vehicle was parked.”
According to JAINJ, about 10 minutes after knocking on the door, a woman dressed in revealing clothing emerged, prompting female officers to ask her to change into more modest attire.
The woman initially claimed she was alone, saying her husband was working out of town and her child was at school.
Suspicions were confirmed when authorities noticed a gap in the ceiling of one room. The man was then found hugging a beam next to the water tank, having chosen to hide in the ceiling after spotting the officers.
JAINJ revealed that the man is married and works in the private sector, providing e-hailing services part-time, and resides about 100 kilometres from the location.
He reportedly claimed that his marital relationship had no issues, while the woman said her marriage was cold and she intended to divorce.
Investigations showed that the pair had known each other for almost a year without the knowledge of either spouse.
“We asked why he came to the house, and he said it was to deliver items to her. While the explanation made some sense, it raised questions as to why he had to enter the house, lock the door, and hide in the ceiling,” JAINJ said.
Both individuals have been detained and will be charged under Section 27 of the Johor State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 for khalwat, or close proximity between unmarried individuals. - March 13, 2026