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JOHOR BAHRU - A couple who allegedly lived together for nearly a year were caught in a khalwat raid after the woman was found to be about six months pregnant.
The couple, both in their 20s, were detained by Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) enforcement officers during an operation at a rented room at about 2.50am following a public complaint.
According to JAINJ, officers arrived at a shophouse and found the ground floor unlocked before proceeding upstairs, where several rooms were being rented out.
“Officers knocked on one of the rooms but received no response until the door was opened approximately eight minutes later by a man wearing only shorts and a T-shirt,” the department said.
Officers subsequently found a woman inside the room, with both admitting they were not married to each other.
JAINJ said the room contained a single bed, while men's and women's clothing were found together in a wardrobe. A mattress used for sleeping was also discovered.
“Initially, the man claimed he was living alone, but further checks revealed otherwise,” it said.
Female enforcement officers later became suspicious that the woman was pregnant, which she subsequently confirmed.
“The woman eventually confessed to being about six months pregnant.
“The couple also admitted that they had been living together for nearly a year, even though the room was originally rented solely for the man,” JAINJ said.
The couple claimed they had intended to marry but postponed their plans after discovering the pregnancy.
“They claimed they had originally planned to get married, but the man reportedly grew fearful of facing the woman's family after finding out about the pregnancy.
“They then planned for her to give birth first before proceeding with their intention to marry,” the department said.
The woman's parents, who were summoned to act as guarantors, were reportedly shocked to learn of both their daughter's arrest and pregnancy.
The couple were detained on suspicion of committing khalwat under Section 27 and are also being investigated under Section 23, with the case to be referred to the Syariah Court for further action.
