A MARRIED woman whose husband is currently serving a prison sentence was detained by religious authorities after she was allegedly found in close proximity with another man during a raid at a house in Batu Berendam in the early hours of Friday.
The incident came to light following a public tip-off, prompting a team from the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) to conduct an operation at 12.25am at the premises.
JAIM Director Datuk Md Azhan Samat said officers discovered a 36-year-old woman, who works as a clerk, inside the house during the inspection.
Further checks led to the discovery of a 36-year-old man, who works at a café, hiding inside a wardrobe in an attempt to avoid detection by enforcement officers.
“Initial investigations found that the man is single while the woman is married. It was also confirmed that the woman’s husband is currently serving a prison sentence,” he said when contacted.
Both individuals were subsequently taken to the JAIM office for documentation and further investigation.
Authorities said the case is being investigated under Section 53 of the Melaka Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1991 for suspected khalwat, which involves close proximity between a man and a woman in circumstances that may give rise to suspicion of immoral conduct.
Investigations are ongoing as enforcement officers continue to gather statements and evidence related to the incident. - June 8, 2026