Young doctors detained in Melaka for alleged khalwat incident

MELAKA: A young couple, both doctors in their mid-20s, were detained following an alleged khalwat (close proximity) incident at a home in Taman Semabok Perdana here, says Datuk Rahmad Mariman.

The Melaka education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman said that the pair, both aged 26, were picked up during the 3.25pm raid on Tuesday (July 29) by enforcement officers from the state Islamic Religious Department (JAIM).

“They were fully clothed at the time of the arrest and were taken to JAIM’s office for further investigation before being released on bail,” he said on Tuesday (July 29).

Rahmad said the case was being investigated under Section 53 of the Melaka Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1991, which carries a fine of up to RM3,000, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.

Earlier, mosque officials, police and residents were present at the housing estate to confront the couple and had to wait nearly 20 minutes as the couple initially refused to answer the door.

They eventually opened the front door once JAIM enforcement officers arrived at the scene.

It was learnt that the male doctor claimed to the officers that he was living at a rented home shared with two housemates who were not present during the raid.

The pair were attached to a public hospital here.