Tawau: Four transvestites who were soliciting around Sabindo here were arrested by the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) on Tuesday night.
In the 11pm operation, JHEAINS officers had to disguise themselves in order to catch the transvestites who wore women’s clothing and make-up.
The department’s religious administrative officer, Ustaz Abdul Imam Basirun, said all the transvestites were in their 20s and only one of them had identification document.
He said the action of the transvestite dressing as women was an offence under Section 92 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment.
“If convicted by the Syariah Court, they can be fined RM1,000 or imprisoned for six months, or both,” he said after the operation that was led by the Tawau Municipal Council (TMC).
Meanwhile, TMC enforcement chief Haji Azinun Sanarul said the operation was organized with the intention to clean up Sabindo from becoming a transvestite ‘nest’.
He said he had received many complaints on it and with the operations he hoped the presence of transvestites in the area could be eradicated.
“We hope such cooperation with JHEAINS will continue to ensure that the town will be free from immoral activities,” he said.
The operation also continued around the coastal highway where a number of youths were advised. They immediately dispersed.