PDRM Limits Crowd to Only 70 People for the Public Caning of Man Who Committed ‘Khalwat’ in Terengganu

A man who was charged with committing ‘Khalwat’ will be the first in Terengganu to receive public caning, which is slated to take place tomorrow (December 27) at the Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Mosque after Friday prayers.

PDRM, however, will only allow a maximum of 70 people to watch the public caning, and strict measures will be taken to ensure everything goes smoothly, reported Astro Awani.

Kuala Terengganu district police chief Azri Noor said that after the Friday prayers, believers will be advised to leave the mosque and only a designated number of people will be allowed to enter the enforcement area.

“Around 40 police officers will be deployed to the scene. No electronic devices will be allowed, and strict actions will be taken against those who violate the rules,” Azri added.

42-year-old Affendi Awang is expected to receive six strokes of the cane this Friday, and he was also fined RM4,000. He also pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 31 (a) of the Syariah Criminal Offenses (Tazir) (Terengganu) Enactment Amendment 2022 for committing Khalwat.

Affendi was caught committing Khalwat with a 52-year-old woman at a house at 1:40 am on June 16, 2024.

Too much of a punishment?

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) recently criticized the Terengganu Shariah Court for the public whipping sentence, even after the court reiterated that the punishment is in no way a form of humiliation.

PAS Youth Strategic Communications Director, Nazrul Nazir, said that the action to curb social ills was also in line with the Maqasid Syariah which aims to preserve religion, morals, and human lineage.

“All parties need to understand that Syariah law is not only to punish but also to maintain social harmony. It is important to respect the decisions of the Syariah Court as a judicial institution based on the law of Allah and the Federal Constitution.”

“Any attempt to dispute this decision without understanding its basis is an insult to the Islamic judicial institution.”

In his statement posted on the Facebook page of PAS Youth, Nazrul also advised that as Muslims, the public needs to understand the aim behind the punishment – safeguard the public interest and prevent greater damage in society.”

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