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M'sian man, 68 & woman, 66, caught for alleged khalwat, say they were applying to get married
Both had been previously married.
May 29, 2026, 12:04 PM
Top image via JAIM
A 68-year-old widower and a 66-year-old widow were detained for alleged "khalwat" (a religious offence where two people of the opposite sex are in close proximity in a private or secluded place) by the Islamic Religious Department (JAIM).
The alleged offence took place at a Klebang home in Melaka, Malaysia on Saturday (May 23), according to Sinar Daily.
The operation was carried out by religious enforcement officers at around midnight, following a complaint and tip-off from a member of the public.
Sinar Daily reported that during the inspection, the man and woman told officers they were in the process of applying to get married.
JAIM: Action meant to educate, not shame
Despite this, both were brought to the JAIM office for documentation and to assist with further investigations.
The couple is being investigated for khalwat, an offence under the Melaka Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1991.
JAIM clarified that the enforcement action was not meant to embarrass anyone, but to educate the public on the boundaries of social interaction and compliance with syariah law, per Sinar Daily.
