Mufti misquoted, says dept
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) yesterday clarified reports over Muslims risking committing close proximity when using Uber or Grab services.
Its spokesman, Mohamad Razif Mohamad Fuad, said Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri was misquoted by media that had picked up the statement from Jawi’s website.
He said the statement was made to answer one of the questions posted by people on Jawi’s Facebook page.
“The mufti did not classify using Uber or Grab services as committing close proximity. He was giving guide- lines for Uber passengers and drivers, who were uncertain if they were committing the offence.”
He said the statement posted on Monday listed recommendations for passengers and drivers who were not comfortable to be in a vehicle with the opposite gender. “He advised passengers to cancel the booking if they are not comfortable. For drivers, they can request their passenger to sit at the back and limit conversation with their passenger. Drivers were advised not to take isolated routes to avoid misunderstanding.”
Razif said the guidelines were not an edict (fatwa) and was merely the mufti’s opinion.
On Tuesday, several portals highlighted that travelling by Uber or Grab was akin to committing khalwat, or close proximity, based on the mufti’s statement. The statement has since received negative feedback from Netizens.
“These people really humiliate the followers of Islam. Have some faith in fellow Muslims!” said Facebook user Reginald Ho Chun Yoon.
Sariah Osman, however, said this was not an issue as women usually sit in the back seat.