KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) is seeking the cooperation of local authorities to advise restaurant operators and hawkers to not begin selling their food early in Ramadhan.
Principal senior assistant director of JAWI’s enforcement division, Wan Jaafar Wan Ahmad, said this was to prevent Muslims from easily obtaining food and disrespecting the month of Ramadan by eating publicly when not fasting.
He told Bernama that JAWI will conduct an integrated operation with the police and relevant agencies to detain Muslims who consumed and smoked in public during the day in Ramadhan.
Wan Jaapar said those caught doing so during Ramadhan could be prosecuted in court and fined not more than RM1,000 or be jailed for six months, or both if found guilty.
He said those caught would be charged and investigated under section 15a and 15b of the Syariah Criminal Offences, (Federal Territories) Act 1997.
He said 25 Muslims were caught around Kuala Lumpur during the fasting month last year for eating, drinking and smoking in public, as compared to 12 caught in 2014. -- BERNAMA