KUNAK: A man risked his life by jumping out of the hotel room window and escaping during a Khalwat (close Proximity) raid when he realised the presence of religious authorities.
However, three couples were not so lucky and were arrested in the Operasi Cegah Maksiat at two budget hotels in town carried out by the Kunak Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) with police assistance on Thursday.
According to a statement from the department, the operation ran from 10pm to 4.30am.
“Various excuses were given by the couples in an attempt to avoid action. One couple claimed to have undergone a kampong wedding but failed to provide any legitimate marriage documents recognised by the religious authorities.
"Shockingly, the woman was found to be married to someone else, while another couple claimed they were engaged,” the statement said.
All those arrested would be investigated under the State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment. Jheains said such operations would continue from time to time to address growing social problems among the Muslim community, particularly in Kunak.
“They are urged not to take matters of free mixing lightly and to adhere to the guidelines set by religion,” the statement concluded.