After Motorcycles, Islamic Authorities May Arrest Unmarried Couples In Cars Too
Terengganu's religious authorities recently arrested 26 unmarried Muslim couples for riding on the same bike together.
By Samantha Khor — 18 Jan 2017, 05:56 PM
Following the arrest of 26 unmarried couples under Ops Bonceng, the Terengganu Religious Affairs Department (JHEAT) has revealed that they might be extending the enforcement to passengers in cars and other vehicles
Earlier this week, Malay daily Sinar Harian reported that the Terengganu Islamic authorities nabbed 26 unmarried Muslim couples for riding on motorcycles together in a late night operation on Thursday, 12 January. All 52 individuals were aged between 16 and 42 years old.
However, the Islamic authority admitted that the anti-vice operation for other vehicles will be executed differently as officials are not able to see what happens in cars
"We cannot punish and assume what they do. Unlike riding motorcycles, it is obvious that they sit together closely," JHEAT chief assistant commissioner (enforcement) Nik Zulhaiza Ismail said as quoted by Malay Mail Online.
Nik Zulhaiza also said that JHEAT already has provisions to act on Muslim couples who are caught together in secluded places under the state's Shariah laws
"For those together alone in the car in quiet places, for example, we already have Sections 29 and 31. Section 29 can be used if enforcers see that the couple is already naked, while Section 31 if they are making out and so on," Nik Zulhaiza said.
Under the state’s Shariah Criminal Offences Enactment (Takzir) 2001, Sections 29 and 31 refer to the acts of "getting ready for sex out of wedlock" and "close proximity" respectively.
On Thursday, 12 January, 15 JHEAT officials detained 26 unmarried Muslim couples for indecent public behaviour, namely, for riding together on the same motorcycle in a late night operation carried out in Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu
Some of the unmarried Muslim couples arrested during Ops Bonceng last Thursday night.
Image via Sinar HarianSinar Harian revealed that a majority of the couples arrested during the 9pm to 12am operation were not aware that riding motorcycles with pillion riders who are non-mahram (not a close relative) is an offence.
According to Nik Zulhaiza, the couples were given a warning and counselling at the JHEAT office before being released. He also said that women have become increasingly shameless when it comes to riding with men.
"We noticed that this has become more of a trend among women, where they are unashamed of becoming pillion riders and are acting inappropriately with men whom they are not married to," he said, adding that JHEAT will work towards preventing such acts from becoming widespread over time.