Dept nabs 15 couples in vice operations

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TAWAU: Fifteen young couples were detained on New Year’s Eve during an operation conducted by the Sabah Islamic Affairs Religious Department (JHEAINS) to eradicate vice in the district.

The five-hour operation that began at 8.30 pm in the Sabindo coastal area saw the couples aged between 17 to 25-years-old in close proximity and behaving in a disorderly manner at a public place.

Religious administrative officer, Abdul Imam Basirun, said the operation was one of the department’s efforts to create awareness among the public in order to prevent the spread of vice activities.

He said the matter of grave concern now is on students who are seen being involved in unhealthy activities.

“During the operation, JHEAINS personnel arrested several young couples who were found in close proximity in dark areas and acting immodestly,” he said yesterday.

He said the offending couples could be charged under Section 83 of the Sabah Syariah Criminal Offences Act 1995, which provides for a fine of RM1,000 or six months’ imprisonment or both.

According to him, the department will continue to conduct similar operations from time to time as a deterrent to Muslims in the district to shun away from activities that goes against the edicts of Islam.