Muhammad Sulaiman/New Straits Times
& Sayuti Zainudin/Malay Mail
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news.
The individuals, if found guilty, will be subject to actions under Section 15 of the Penang Syariah Criminal Law Enactment 1996, under which they can be fined up to RM1,000 or jailed for six months or both.
“For the second or subsequent offence, one can be fined a maximum RM2,000 or imprisoned up to a year or both upon conviction,” Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman warned.
Zakiyuddin is also the president of the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP).
According to him, the monitoring efforts will be carried out by Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP)’s enforcement division together with agencies such as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP), state Health Department, and JHEAIPP’s Halal Management Division.
“The operations will also focus on the cleanliness of the premises as well as food handling, compliance with the conditions of the licence application, and other related provisions in accordance with the law,” he said.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the monitoring efforts under the “Respect Ramadan Campaign” showed the seriousness of the state’s Islamic administration to invite all Muslims to glorify the holy month.
“Hopefully, this operation will be raising awareness among the Muslims in the state to make Ramadan this year the best of all. In addition, it is also aimed at eradicating acts of disrespect towards the holy month such as deliberately eating or drinking in public without any hindrance or uzur syarie,” he added.
Furthermore, Section 15 of the Penang Syariah Criminal Law Enactment 1996 can also be used against any person who sells any Muslim items such as food, drinks, or cigarettes in public during Ramadan.
According to a report in New Straits Times, the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) said that they will raid several hotspots frequented by Muslims who skip fasting during the month of Ramadan.
MPKB president Tuan Zainal Abidin Tuan Yusuf said the operations, which have 80 enforcement personnel from MPKB, will cover restaurants and isolated locations in the state capital.
“We have identified more than 20 hotspots known to be frequented by locals during the holy month of Ramadan. Our officers will double their checks at these places and will not hesitate to nab those who failed to respect the fasting month,” he said, adding that action could also be taken against both customers and restaurant owners, especially those opening their business before 3pm during Ramadan.
“We will also take action against non-Muslim restaurant operators if their businesses are open before 3pm, as MPKB will only allow food premises to operate after 3pm during Ramadan.”