KOTA BARU: The seven men who were recently issued notices for wearing thigh-length shorts in Tanah Merah are the first large group to receive such notices since the implementation of Kelantan's Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 in 2021.
Kelantan Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK) chief assistant director Mohd Fadzuli Mohd Zain said the men violated two of the 24 new provisions under the enactment, namely Sections 21 and 23.
Section 21 was for behaving impolitely in public (wearing shorts), which is contrary to the syariah law.
For this offence, the men could be fined RM2,000 or sentenced to one year's jail.
Section 23 entailed exposing the "aurat" (parts of the body that need to be covered). For this, the offenders faced a RM1,000 fine and six months' jail.
However, as this was their first offence, the men were ordered to attend counselling two days after they were caught.
Fadzuli said previously, the state authorities used Section 5 of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code 1985 for those who engaged in indecent acts or displayed behaviours that were against the syariah law in public settings.
"Under this section, those found guilty shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.
"However, with the amendment to the 1985 enactment, the offence has been divided into Sections 21 and 23, with higher penalties."
Last Friday, JHEAIK issued warning notices to seven men for breaching Sections 21 and 23 of the enactment.
The men were caught at a sisha outlet in Gertak Chaber, Tanah Merah.
Seven shisha pipes were also seized during the operation, and the operator was issued a warning notice.