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Ramadan has started and Muslims around the world embark on a period of fasting, prayer and reflection.

While there might be some Muslims who do not fast, they would not be able to find shops selling food during fasting hours in Malaysia, as selling food to Muslims during the fasting hours of Ramadan is considered a crime.

However, for some, business appeared to go on as usual — albeit in the most unconventional way.

A woman from Tangok, Kelantan in Malaysia, was on Mar. 26 found selling food secretly to Muslims who were not fasting, New Straits Times reported.

The woman had to hide the food in the toilet and washing machine.

Personnel from the Bachok Islamic Religious Office and Bachok District Council found food dishes in the toilet and packed rice inside a washing machine.

The raid was conducted on Sunday between 10am and 12pm.

The authorities seized over 20 packets of rice with chicken, and several packets of iced teh-O, according to Berita Harian.

They also found marinated chicken in the toilet.

Customers would contact her

The woman, who was said to be in her 40s, was given a warning.

An officer from the Bachok Islamic Religious Office, Suratemi Mat Yusof, told local media that they received a tip-off from the public.

“When we questioned the house owner, she admitted to selling the food and drinks. She would pack the food and drinks, and her 'customers' would contact her when they wanted to buy them," he told NST.

The officer added that the woman had promised not to continue her illegal food sales and that she would be counselled.

No one was detained as the woman’s customers fled the scene upon knowing a raid was being conducted.

Selling food during fasting month

Under Section 15 of Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997 of Malaysia, whoever is found selling any form of food, drinks, or tobacco to Muslims during the fasting hours of Ramadan would be guilty of "disrespect for Ramadhan".

The same applies to any Muslim found eating, drinking or smoking openly or in public during the month.

Non-Muslims are allowed to continue to consume food in public during this period.

First offenders can face a fine not exceeding RM1,000 (S$301), or an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.

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Top images courtesy of Bachok District Council