KUNAK: Two couples were detained for alleged “khalwat” (close proximity) during an anti-vice operation (Ops Cegah Maksiat) carried out by the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) Kunak branch on Thursday night at two separate hotels in the district.
Kunak Jheains Religious Administrative Officer, Mohd Jeffery Hamad, said one of the men arrested is believed to be married and was found in a hotel room with a woman who is not his lawful wife or “mahram”.
The couples were aged between their 20s and 30s, while the married man was in his 40s.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});The operation, which took place between 10pm and midnight, targeted several locations identified as high-risk areas for immoral activities. Two hotel rooms were found to be occupied by unrelated couples in suspicious circumstances.
“This action is not intended purely to punish, but as a preventive measure to curb growing social issues, especially among youths and married individuals,” Mohd Jeffery told the Daily Express.
He added that all individuals detained had been brought to the Kunak Jheains office for further action under the Sabah Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1995.
Mohd Jeffery also called on the public to remain vigilant and assist the authorities by reporting any activities that contradict Islamic teachings.
“We will continue to conduct such operations regularly and more comprehensively to ensure that Kunak remains a peaceful district, free from vice, and preserves the moral integrity of its community,” he said.
Scenes from the Ops Cegah Maksiat conducted by JHEAINS Kunak enforcement officers on Thursday.