GEORGE TOWN – Healthy Muslims in Penang caught deliberately eating or drinking in public during Ramadan month can be subject to legal action such as fines, imprisonment or both.
Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said they could be prosecuted under Section 15 of the Penang Shariah Criminal Law Enactment 1996, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM1,000, imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, for the first offence, if convicted.
Zakiyuddin, who is also Penang Islamic Religious Council president, said that for the second or subsequent infractions, offenders can be fined not more than RM2,000, imprisoned not more than a year, or both.
“During the fasting month, Penang will organise a campaign to honour Ramadan by holding an integrated operation, which is one of the manifestations of the state’s Islamic administration’s initiative to invite Muslims to glorify the holy month together.
“The objective of the integrated operation is to raise awareness amongst Muslims as well as to eradicate acts of disrespect for Ramadan month by deliberately eating or drinking in public while not being sick,” he said in a statement today.
Zakiyuddin said under Section 15, action can also be taken against any person during Ramadan for selling food, drinks, cigarettes or other similar things to be eaten, drunk or smoked immediately in public to any Muslim during that time.
“The operation will be carried out by the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP) in collaboration with agencies such as Penang City Council, Seberang Perai City Council, Penang Health Department and the JHEAIPP Halal Management Division,” he said.
He said so far, JHEAIPP had identified about 120 hotspots and the operation would also focus on aspects of premises hygiene and food handling, compliance with licence application conditions and other relevant provisions in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.
“We hope that this integrated operation will be able to raise awareness for Muslims in Penang to make Ramadan this year the best Ramadan of all,” he said. – Bernama, March 31, 2022
