‘Public figure’ detained by Jais for alleged khalwat

Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) has confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with an alleged khalwat case involving a public figure in Petaling Jaya, according to Sinar Harian. The arrests occurred at approximately 6pm yesterday, as reported by Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad. The suspects were apprehended on suspicion of violating Section 29 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, which carries penalties of up to a RM3,000 fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, as stated in a statement by the Jais director.

Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad cautioned Muslims against turning the matter into a subject of speculation, debate, or slander, urging them not to shame individuals involved. The case gained public attention after a post circulated on social media displaying closed-circuit television footage of a Jais van in the car park of a premises. The post prompted questions about the presence of the religious enforcement vehicle, with the individual allegedly seen entering the van linked online to a senior leader of a political party.

These claims sparked speculation, but Jais did not identify either individual detained in the arrests.