M'sia man, 65, caught in hotel with woman, 49, say they were tired from National Day eve celebration

In the wee hours of Aug. 31, 16 individuals in several hotels in Melaka were detained by the Melaka State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIM).

They were caught for khalwat — being in close proximity with a person of the opposite sex.

This is considered an offence according to shariah law.

One of the individuals caught was a 65-year-old man, Sinar Harian reported.

The man was caught in a hotel room with a 49-year-old woman, and they are not married.

According to the state's Education, Higher Education, and Religious Affairs executive committee member, Rahmad Mariman, the man is from Segamat, Johor, while the woman operates a food stall in Melaka.

The man allegedly travelled to Melaka to visit his partner's ailing mother on Aug. 30.

The couple then went to the city centre to watch the fireworks.

"The couple admitted to checking in to the hotel just to take a breather after celebrating Ambang Merdeka (eve of Malaysia's National Day) and had plans to watch the National Day parade the next day."

The couple also allegedly begged not to have any actions taken against them, as they would be embarrassed if their grown children found out about the encounter.

If found guilty, the offenders can receive a fine of up to RM3,000 (S$911), up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

Top image from Unsplash and Wikimedia.