Couple caught for khalwat, eating instant noodles during the day in hotel room

JOHOR BAHRU – A couple in their 20s were detained by enforcement officers from the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) for alleged khalwat (close proximity) in a hotel room here.

In a statement, JAINJ said the raid was carried out at about 3pm on Monday at a hotel in the district.

“The door was knocked on and opened five minutes later by a man wearing long pants and a T-shirt. Enforcement officers entered the room and found it brightly lit, with the television and air-conditioning switched on.

“Officers then inspected the bathroom, which was unlocked and found a woman standing facing the door before asking her to come out. She was wearing long pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt.

“Further inspection found the bed in disarray, with the blanket crumpled and the bedsheet wrinkled. Two damp towels were also found. A search of the wardrobe uncovered women’s undergarments,” the statement said.

JAINJ added that half-eaten instant noodles and a large carton drink with only a small amount remaining were found on the table.

When questioned, both admitted they were not fasting and had eaten. Investigations revealed that they were alone in the room and were not married to each other.

The couple, who are single and in their 20s, work in Johor Bahru.

“When asked why they rented the hotel room, they said they had matters to discuss. They are also in a relationship and intend to get married.

“The couple took the opportunity to rent a hotel room together for leisure, even during the fasting month. They said they were fulfilling their longing and did not expect to be caught, as they were unaware that enforcement officers also conduct hotel inspections during the day,” JAINJ said.

JAINJ said enforcement officers advised the couple to solemnise their marriage soon and hold a modest ceremony to legitimise their relationship.

The pair were later detained under Section 27 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (Johor) 1997 for khalwat and will be charged in the Syariah Court.