KOTA BARU: A 73-year-old man was among 12 people nabbed for close proximity (khalwat) by Kelantan Islamic Affairs and Religious Department (JAHEIAK) officers during an anti-vice operation.
The department's Syariah Law Enforcement Division chief assistant director Mohd Fadzuli Mohd Zain said the septuagenarian was caught for khalwat with a 40-year-old widow.
"The man is a taxi driver and is also a widower. He and his partner were caught for close proximity in a house in town.
"The man tried to escape by climbing onto the roof of the house," he said when contacted.
Fadzuli said the two were among six couples nabbed in operations at several locations here on the eve of Malaysia Day.
He said 29 officers took part in the two-hour operation which kicked off at 10pm.
Fadzuli said some couples nabbed had their statements recorded, and some were given notices to attend counselling.