The Holy Month of Ramadan is a period in time which those of the Islamic faith will fast for the majority of the day before breaking fast at dusk. And in the case of Malaysia, religious authorities are quite stringent on ensuring that Muslims who are old enough to fast do so properly, while making sure that eateries and restaurants refrain from selling food to those who are currently observing the practice.
Mother & son duo detained for selling packed rice in a Myvi at Kelantan
According to local newspaper NST, it is reported that a mother in her 50’s and her son in her 20’s were arrested by the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jaheik) and Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) during a special joint operation. The mother and son duo were said to be amongst one of the popular stalls selling ‘nasi berlauk’ around Padang Tembak located in Kelantan over the years.
With the fasting month approaching, the duo then decided to switch their business model by going mobile in their Perodua Myvi and selling packet meals to Muslims who were not fasting in secret.
Followed by a tip off from the public the authorities received over a week ago, they managed to catch the duo red-handed selling meals to two lorry drivers. The operation that involved over 20 officers were dispatched to help track down those who aren’t fasting throughout the Ramadan period.
“We arrested the mother and son duo along with the two lorry drivers who purchased the food”, said Jaheik enforcement division deputy director Mohd Fadzuli Mohd Zain.
He added that they were also able to seize several packs of rice cooked with various dishes including chicken and fish. Initial investigations have also showed that the duo had been selling food to the locals since the start of Ramadan.
Both the mother and son duo were allowed bail but are expected to be charged in court under Section 10 of Kelantan Criminal Syariah Enactment (1) 2019 for not respecting the month of Ramadan by selling food. The two lorry drivers who purchased food from the duo would also be charged under Section 21 of the same enactment for committing an indecent act at a public place.
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