KOTA BARU: Kelantan religious authorities have identified at least 50 hotspot areas used by Muslims to "cheat" and eat during the fasting hours of the holy month of Ramadan.
The 50 locations, comprising both restaurants as well as isolated areas, are spread out across all 10 districts in the state.
Kelantan Islamic Affairs and Religious Department (Jaheaik) deputy director (operations) Dr Hasnan Ramli said these places are known as haunts for those who cheat by eating during fasting hours.
He said 20 of the 50 locations were in Kota Baru, particularly in Pengkalan Chepa.
"During Ramadan, many locals like to play truant. They would have their meals not only at these restaurants and isolated areas but also stairwells.
"They would also go to non-Muslim restaurants as they believe that they won't be caught by religious authorities here," he told reporters at a press conference at the Jaheaik office here today.
Also present was the department's Syariah Law enforcement division chief assistant director Mohd Fadzuli Mohd Zain.
Hasnan said Muslims caught not fasting during Ramadan can be fined of up to RM2,000 or jailed up to two years, or both.
The punishment, he said, falls under Section 10 of the Syariah Criminal Enactment Code 2019.
"Apart from that, similar action can also be taken against restaurant owners who sell food to Muslims during fasting hours," he added.
He said this Ramadan, about 60 enforcement officers from the department would be deployed statewide to conduct inspections.
"They will be assisted by some 700 volunteers. Their daily checks will begin from 11am every day during Ramadan," he added.
He said three individuals were fined for not fasting last year.
"Two of them were caught in Kota Baru while another was nabbed in Pasir Puteh. All of them paid the fines after they were found guilty by the court," he said.
