KELANTAN recorded 1,446 khalwat cases over the past three years, with teenagers accounting for the largest share, according to the state Islamic Affairs Department (JAHEAIK).
State Islamic Development, Dakwah, Information and Public Relations Committee chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud said the cases formed part of 2,135 arrests for various Shariah offences recorded between 2023 and 2025.
He said khalwat, or close proximity between unmarried individuals of the opposite sex in circumstances prohibited under Islamic law, was the most frequently recorded offence during enforcement operations by JAHEAIK's Shariah Law Enforcement Division.
"Of the total khalwat cases recorded, those involving teenagers accounted for the largest number throughout the period," he said.
The Demit assemblyman was responding to a question from Dr Hafidzah Mustakim (PH-Kota Lama) during the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim today.
Mohd Asri said the department also recorded 435 cases involving indecent behaviour or speech, 84 cases of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, 55 cases of exposing one's aurat in public and 25 cases of disrespecting Ramadan.
A further 21 cases involved men impersonating women, while three involved women impersonating men, three involved encouraging vice and 63 involved various other offences.
He said cases involving indecent speech had also increased this year, warranting particular attention.
Kota Bharu recorded the highest number at 282 cases, followed by Bachok with 233.
Mohd Asri said Shariah law enforcement in Kelantan was governed by the Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, which came into force on Nov 1, 2021. - November 4, 2026
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