The Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) has arrested eight men for not fasting and eating in public during inspections at food outlets in the state.
Datuk Rahmad Mariman, chairman of the State Education, Higher Education, and Religious Affairs Committee, stated that the common reasons given by the men were “not feeling well” and that they “cannot fast.”
“They were arrested under Section 49 of the Melaka Syariah Offences Enactment 1991 during operations conducted since the beginning of Ramadan last week.”
“Up until the 7th day of Ramadan, JAIM has conducted 11 operations at 127 eatery premises and will continue enforcement against those who do not respect the month of Ramadan,” he told reporters.
Also present were JAIM director Datuk Md Azhan Samat and its enforcement chief, Akmal Nadzim Abdullah.
Rahmad explained that the offence of not fasting cannot be compounded, and those caught will be brought to court to be charged.
Those found guilty face a fine of up to RM1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction, he said.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Also read: Bukit Jalil Police Station Chief Accused of Stealing RM300k & a Prada Handbag from a Condo Unit
