A Khalwat suspect in Kelantan attempted to evade arrest by hiding on a high-rise balcony. Authorities had to call the fire department to talk him down.
A man in Kelantan sparked a dramatic scene after he attempted to escape a religious enforcement raid for allegedly committing khalwat by hiding on a high-rise balcony.
According to Sinar Harian, the man, believed to be in a compromising situation with a woman who is not his mahram, tried to evade officers from the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAHEAIK) by slipping onto the 19th floor balcony of an apartment complex.
Fearing the potential risk of a fall or self-harm, JAHEAIK contacted the Kota Bharu Fire and Rescue Department for immediate assistance.
Deputy Fire Chief Zukeri Shafie, head of the Kota Bharu Fire and Rescue Station, confirmed that they received an emergency call at 9.27 AM on Wednesday, 7 May. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 9.42 AM.
Upon reaching the apartment, they found the 30-year-old man crouched on the balcony in an attempt to avoid detection and arrest.
With combined efforts from the JAHEAIK officers and firefighters, the man was successfully persuaded to leave the ledge and return to safety within 15 minutes. The operation concluded at 9.57 AM.
He was then handed over to the religious department for further investigation and action.
This incident follows a growing trend in the enforcement of khalwat laws in Malaysia. In December 2024, a man in Terengganu was publicly caned after being found guilty of repeated khalwat offences, with the punishment carried out at a mosque before an audience of 70.
PAS Youth Strategic Communications Director Nazrul Nazir defended such enforcement, stating that it aligns with Maqasid Syariah — the Islamic objective to preserve religion, morals, and lineage.
In Kelantan, public caning has yet to be implemented, but the state government has expressed interest in pursuing it if a proper SOP is established. Currently, those convicted of khalwat in Kelantan face penalties of up to RM5,000 in fines, two years of imprisonment, or both, as outlined in the Kelantan State Government Gazette.
By Tarziman — 09 May 2025, 03:18 PM
