A MAN and woman in their 20s have been detained by the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) after they were suspected of committing khalwat, or close proximity offence, at a hotel here during a routine enforcement operation.
JAINJ said in a statement that the couple were detained at around 12.30am during a periodic and random inspection conducted by enforcement officers.
The department clarified that the operation was not solely carried out following a public complaint, but was part of its regular monitoring activities.
"When they arrived in front of the hotel room, the enforcement officers knocked on the door several times but received no response. The door was only opened about eight minutes later by a man who was wearing only shorts.
"After introducing themselves and showing their authority cards, the enforcement officers entered the room to conduct further inspection.
"The condition of the room at the time was dark before all the lights were switched on," JAINJ said.
During the inspection, officers found a woman lying on the bed under a blanket.
"A female enforcement officer then carried out an inspection and found that the woman was not naked before instructing her to put on proper attire inside the bathroom," the statement said.
JAINJ said further questioning found that the pair were not married and had no mahram relationship.
The man initially told officers that the woman was his friend before confirming that they were only acquaintances.
The department said both individuals were single, employed and living in Johor Bahru.
"They admitted that they had travelled together in the man's car and checked into the hotel at around 9pm, with the room rental fully paid by the man.
"When questioned, they claimed they were only resting and sleeping in the hotel room and had not committed any immoral acts.
"They also gave the reason that they were unable to return to Johor Bahru because it was already late at night," the statement said.
JAINJ said the couple were subsequently detained for allegedly committing an offence under Section 27 of the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment and will face proceedings at the Syariah Court. - July 19, 2026
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