Keningau Muslims advised to observe religious obligations

KENINGAU: The Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAINS) here will take action on Muslims for improper behaviour like not observing the fast by eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Its administrative officer, Afandy Kasimin, yesterday said that no arrests had been made as those who did not perform their fasting obligation managed to escape quickly upon seeing the JHEAINS officers.

He also said that so far, no action had been taken on any premises such as restaurants and coffee shops owned by Muslims.

Afandy said owners of these premises are required to comply with all instructions issued by the department that they should not open and sell food and drinks throughout the month of Ramadan.

“Under Section 58 (1) (2) of the Sabah State Syariah Criminal Offences 1995, a person who at the time of fasting during Ramadan buys food or drinks for immediate consumption or to sell to the Muslims to be eaten or drank immediately, commits an offence and can be convicted and punished with a RM1,000 fine or jailed up to six months, and for a second or subsequent offence shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both.

“A person who is found eating or drinking or smoking tobacco or the like during the fasting of Ramadan commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not more than RM500 or imprisonment not exceeding three months and for the second offense a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both,”he said.

Afandy said JHEAINS had no authority to close the shops during the fasting month, but can only instruct the owner not to sell food and drinks to be eaten immediately.

He advised Muslims to observe their religious obligations, like fasting, and to respect the holy month of Ramadan. Owners of the restaurants are also advised not to sell food and beverages for immediate consumption by Muslims.