Azinun (left) questioning two of the women detained in the operation.
TAWAU: Six couples were detained for close proximity and six Muslims, including two women who were found to be consuming alcohol, were arrested in an integrated operation here on Wednesday night.
Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) enforcement officer Azinun Sanarul said the eight women and 10 men held in the operation were aged 15 to 55.
“Twelve individuals were detained for close proximity, one was later released for being a non-Muslim while the rest were found consuming alcohol,” he said yesterday.
He said various reasons such as argument with in-laws and village marriage were given to enforcement officers from TMC, State Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAINS), Immigration Department, Customs Department and Royal Malaysia Police carrying out the operation to avoid detention.
He said the six-hour operation which began at 9pm, was carried out at budget hotels in the town centre and entertainment outlets.
“JHEAINS also found two pairs of lovers who hid under the bed in a hotel room.
“However, after interrogation, both confessed they were simply relaxing and chatting in the room even though there are love bites on their necks,” he said.
The enforcement team arrested two underage girls and four Muslim men for consuming alcohol at an entertainment centre.
“All individuals detained for close proximity will be investigated under Section 90 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (EKJS) 1995, while those consuming alcohol can be charged under Section 57 of EKJS which carries a fine of RM3,000 or two years in jail, or both, if convicted of offences,” he said.
Azinun stressed that the operation was to curb immoral activities, especially among young people and urged all parties, especially parents, to take this very seriously and teach their children proper religious values besides monitoring their movements.