Politics · Singapore Bureau
Former Malaysian minister detained in suspected khalwat incident
Malaysian authorities have detained a former government minister in connection with a suspected khalwat violation in Petaling Jaya. Khalwat, an Islamic law offense in Malaysia, refers to close proximity between unmarried couples.
LSN Singapore ·
The former minister was taken into custody following reports of the alleged incident in the Petaling Jaya area. Khalwat laws, enforced in several Malaysian states under Islamic legislation, carry penalties for unmarried individuals found in close proximity or seclusion together.
The detention marks a notable development given the detainee's former status in government. Authorities in Malaysia's federal territories and various states maintain enforcement units dedicated to monitoring potential khalwat violations, particularly in residential and commercial areas.
Investigations into the matter remain ongoing. The case underscores ongoing enforcement of Islamic laws in Malaysia's jurisdictions, which apply to Muslim citizens and residents. Details regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the detention were not immediately disclosed by authorities.