KOTA BHARU, 28 Sept 2017:
The Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jaheaik) has stressed that summonses issued against Muslim men and women caught for indecent dressing were meant to educate.
Assistant director (enforcement division) Mohd Fadzuli Mohd Zain said the individuals issued with summonses from the department were only required to attend counselling sessions – failing which, they would be hauled up to the syariah court where they risked being fined RM1,000, upon conviction.
“Previously, there were individuals served with summonses and after attending the counselling sessions, they understood the reasons and they did not have to pay the fine,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He was commenting on a recent case of a 30-year-old man who was issued with a summons by the department for ‘indecent dressing’ after he was caught wearing shorts in public, which went viral on social media.
The man claimed he had stopped to buy a burger wearing shorts as he was on his way to play futsal.
Mohd Fadzuli said the department’s action was nothing extraordinary as a total of 85 people had attended the counselling sessions from January to May, while 72 others were expected to attend the next session next month.
Separately, the action of a laundrette entrepreneur in Muar, Johor – in apologising and withdrawing a decision to offer the laundry service only to Muslims – should be well-received, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The Prime Minister said the action was in line with the view of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
He said there was basis in the concern of the Sultan of Johor that the entrepreneur’s action would lead to a narrow image of Islam – contrary to the country’s desire to nurture a united, harmonious, moderate and tolerant society.
“The government will remain committed to upholding the true Islamic teachings while protecting the interests of the other communities as demanded of Islam,” he said in a statement.
Najib said that as a country that upheld ‘Wasatiyyah’ (moderation) and championed the Maqasid Syariah foundational goals, Malaysia would remain a moderate Islamic nation practising the moderate way of life as had been the case since independence.
“I am confident that Muslims will continue to uphold this struggle because we all want to see Malaysia progress into a successful, respected and exemplary country.”
A picture of the laundrette, which offered its service only to Muslims, had circulated on social media for over a week.
The action of the entrepreneur was criticised by Sultan Ibrahim who said the entrepreneur should change the concept of his business or face action.
The entrepreneur apologised and reportedly removed the sign at the premises that said “Muslim-friendly”.
– Bernama