KOTA BHARU, Nov 4 — Kelantan recorded 2,135 arrests for offences under Islamic law between 2023 and 2025, with khalwat (close proximity) offences accounting for the highest number at 1,446 cases, the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly was told today.

State Islamic Development, Dakwah, Information and Public Relations Committee chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud said the statistics resulted from enforcement operations carried out by the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAHEAIK) through its Syariah Law Enforcement Division.

He noted that 435 cases involving indecent acts or speech were also recorded, followed by 84 cases of pregnancy out of wedlock, 55 cases of exposing aurat (parts of the body required to be covered under Islamic law) in public places and 25 cases of disrespecting Ramadan.

"Another 21 cases involved men impersonating women, three involved women impersonating men, three involved encouraging immoral activities, while 63 cases were related to other miscellaneous offences.

"Of all the cases recorded, khalwat involving teenagers was the most prevalent offence during the period,” he said in reply to a question fromHafidzah Mustakim (PH-Kota Lama) on the number of arrests for Syariah offences during the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex here today.

Mohd Asri said Syariah law enforcement in the state is governed by the Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, which came into force on Nov 1, 2021, and contains 52 enforceable sections after 16 of its original 68 sections were repealed in 2024.

He said the state government remained committed to strengthening Syariah law enforcement through its Membangun Bersama Islam policy, despite various challenges, including limitations in implementing the Syariah Criminal Code.

"This year, offences involving indecent speech have also increased, warranting attention, particularly in the Kota Bharu district, which recorded 282 cases, followed by Bachok with 233 cases,” he said.

Mohd Asri said the enforcement approach focused not only on arrests and penalties but also on prevention and educating the public about compliance with the law, adding that JAHEAIK has held discussions with strategic partners, including the Royal Malaysia Police and the National Anti-Drugs Agency, to strengthen public awareness and preventive programmes.

"Briefings on Syariah law are also held regularly at state and federal government institutions, as well as educational institutions, including schools, to ensure the public understands the legal provisions in force,” he added. — Bernama