Jais confirms two arrests in alleged khalwat case involving public figure

SHAH ALAM, Oct 16 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) has confirmed the arrest of two people to assist investigations into an alleged khalwat case involving a public figure in Petaling Jaya yesterday, Sinar Harian reported.

Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the arrests were made at about 6pm over suspected offences under Section 29 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995.

Those convicted under the provision face a fine of up to RM3,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, he said in a statement today.

Mohd Shahzihan urged Muslims not to shame individuals by turning the matter into material for speculation, debate or slander, the Malay daily reported. 

The case drew public attention after a post circulated on social media featuring a screenshot from closed-circuit television footage showing a Jais van in the car park of a premises.

According to the report, the post prompted questions about the presence of the religious enforcement vehicle, while the person allegedly seen entering the van was linked online to a senior leader of a political party.

The claims sparked speculation before Jais confirmed the arrests.

However, the department did not identify either individual detained.