Public caning for khalwat offender draws crowd in Kuala Terengganu

KUALA TERENGGANU: Mohd Affendi Awang (pic), a repeat khalwat (close proximity) offender, was brought to Dewan ‘Aasim at Masjid Al Muktafi Billah Shah, Jalan Sultan Mahmud, here, at 2.30pm to undergo a public caning.

The 42-year-old carpenter is set to receive six strokes of the cane under Section 31(a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) (Terengganu) Amendment 2022.

The mosque, filled with congregants for Friday prayers, remained bustling as crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the offender before he was escorted to Dewan ‘Aasim through the back entrance by prison officers and police.

The caning of the father of five is scheduled to take place after 3pm, witnessed by Terengganu State Executive Council members, department heads, representatives from the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association, NGOs, and media personnel, totalling 70 people.

Strict security measures were in place around the mosque and the hall, with all individuals witnessing the punishment prohibited from bringing any communication devices. – Majoriti