7 Men in Kelantan Receive Warning Notice for Wearing Shorts, During Raid in Shisha Restaurant

There are always rules that we are expected to follow at certain places, and failure to do so may result in a fine being imposed, or at least a warning.

Just recently, 7 men in Tanah Merah, Kelantan received warning notices from the Kelantan Religious Affair Department (JAHEAIK) for wearing thigh-length shorts. The notices were issued under Section 23 – Revealing the Aurat.

In a combined operation by Tanah Merah District Council (MDTM), Tanah Merah District Health Office (PKD), and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), 6 units of shishas were confiscated at a restaurant in Kampung Gertak Chaber following public complaints about shisha business activities at the restaurant.

Besides issuing warnings to the 7 men, the authorities also issued:

• A warning notice to the restaurant under the Licensing, Trade, Business, and Industry Bylaw (MDTM) 2009
• 11 compounds under the Tobacco Revenue Control Regulations (PPKHT) 2004 with a value of RM1,900
• 5 compounds under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 with a value of RM1,500

This made the total compounds amount to RM3,400. According to a Facebook post by MDTM, urine tests were also conducted for the customers at the restaurant that was raided.

MDTM also assured the public that they will always monitor and operate from time to time to curb shisha activities in the district.

Kelantanese may not be surprised about the 7 men being issued warning notices for wearing shorts, but to those who are not aware, it is not something that was just implemented.

Back in 2017, the director of JAHEAIK confirmed that Muslim men who are caught wearing shorts can be fined up to RM1,000 or jailed for not more than 6 months, or both. He also said that this rule has been imposed since 1985, and wearing shorts in the state is considered immoral which is also an offense that can be punished under Section 5(1) Enactment of Syariah Criminal Code in Kelantan 1985. 

If you happen to be in the state, it’s better not to wear shorts out of respect for the laws and the culture of the state.

Also read: “You’re naughty right?” – Indonesian Expat Gets Harassed With Sexual Remarks by e-Hailing Driver in KL