New Straits Times

UNDERCOVER OFFICERS TO NAB NON-FASTING MUSLIMS

Segamat Municipal Council officers disguise as food stall workers in bid to catch those not observing fast

- AHMAD ISMAIL SEGAMAT news@nst.com.my

THOSE in Segamat who are not fasting and planning to eat out at stalls in the neighbourh­oods during fasting time be warned! The food that you order could well be prepared and sent to your table by undercover enforcemen­t officers of the Segamat Municipal Council (MPS).

MPS president Mohd Masni Wakiman said the council was working with the Segamat Islamic Religious Department to track down those not fasting and enjoying food, especially at stalls under the MPS’ supervisio­n.

“There are 185 licensed stalls and food outlets under MPS at 15 locations. These include Segamat, Bandar Putra IOI, Segamat Baru, Jalan Segamat Muar, Taman Yayasan, Buloh Kasap, Jementah, Batu Anam and Bandar Utama,” he said at the Segamat MPS office here yesterday.

Masni added that the 32 enforcemen­t officers included two officers who were good at making roti canai , tea

and mee mamak.

They would disguise as cooks and waiters to catch those not fasting at the 185 food premises.

“We have specially selected enforcemen­t officers who are dark skinned for the undercover job. They sound convincing when they speak in Indonesian and Pakistani lingo, so that customers will believe they are really hired to cook and serve meals, and take menu orders.

“Once the order is sent, the enforcemen­t staff will secretly capture the image of the individual or group of people enjoying the food, and immediatel­y contact the Segamat Islamic Religious Council.

“The MPS does not want to be seen as not making an effort to handle the issue of Muslims eating in the open during Ramadan. Not only is it disrespect­ful to Islam, it also reflects badly on MPS as the act is committed at stalls under its supervisio­n,” he added.

Meanwhile, Segamat kadi Baharin Jalal appreciate­d the effort shown by other agencies in safeguardi­ng the image of Islam.

“I advise food traders not to allow Muslims to eat at their stalls during the day (during Ramadan). The action of this small number of Muslims is shameful and gives the wrong impression of Islam in the eyes of those from other faiths.”

 ?? PIC BY AHMAD ISMAIL ?? Segamat Municipal Council enforcemen­t officers standing at attention in Segamat yesterday.
PIC BY AHMAD ISMAIL Segamat Municipal Council enforcemen­t officers standing at attention in Segamat yesterday.

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