A MAN in his 30s was detained by officers from the Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) in the early hours of Tuesday morning on suspicion of khalwat, or illicit close proximity between unmarried individuals.
The 30-year-old was apprehended at around 1:30 a.m. while washing a large cooking pot in a bathroom, wearing only underwear and a T-shirt.
Authorities had received complaints from neighbours regarding the frequency of his visits to the woman’s home despite the absence of a lawful marital relationship.
“Upon arrival at the semi-detached village house, enforcement officers noted both the man’s and woman’s vehicles on the premises,” a JAINJ spokesperson said.
Two officers were stationed at the rear of the property to prevent any attempt to flee.
“Officers knocked on the front door several times but received no response. About eight minutes later, a woman wearing a batwing blouse without a headscarf opened the door,” the spokesperson added. Upon entering, the living room was observed to be dark.
Officers conducted a search of the entire residence but initially found no one until they noticed the bathroom light on and the door slightly ajar.
“Upon pushing the door open, the officers found a man squatting in his underwear and T-shirt while washing a large cooking pot. He appeared nervous and frightened when he saw our presence,” the spokesperson said.
Questioning revealed that the pair were an unmarried couple. The man is single and employed in Kluang, while the woman, also in her 30s, is unmarried.
When asked why he was at the home, the man claimed he was merely assisting with washing the cooking pot. Officers, suspicious of his explanation, inspected the main bedroom and found dishevelled bed sheets, blankets, and pillows.
The couple reportedly informed authorities that they plan to marry in three months.
JAINJ recorded their statements and confirmed that they will face charges under Section 27 of the Johor State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 for khalwat. - February 19, 2026
