KUALA LUMPUR – A 35-year-old non-Muslim female proprietor of a clothing shop was slapped with a compound during a spot check by Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) officers.
The New Straits Times confirmed the matter with the council after a photo of the compound was shared widely on social media, which showed that the person was a non-Muslim. It raised the hackles of some social media users, as PAS-led Kelantan has always said its shariah-inspired by-laws would not affect non-Muslims.
NST quoted MPKB president Rosnazli Amin who said that council officers issued the woman the compound when they checked her outlet at Jalan Merbau, in Kota Baru.
As she was found to be wearing shorts “at public places”, she was given the compound, Rosnazli was quoted saying.
He added that the compound was issued for the offence under By-Law 34(2)(b) of the council’s Business and Industrial Trade By-Laws 2019.
Rosnazli was also quoted defending the by-laws which he said have long been in force and are understood by all, including non-Muslims.
Earlier, lawyer and human rights activist Siti Kasim had tweeted a photo of the compound, saying people should not believe it when told that shariah-based rules will not affect non-Muslims.
“Believe at your own peril,” she tweeted. – The Vibes, June 26, 2023
