A 71-year-old man was among 22 individuals detained during a police raid on a karaoke centre in Simpang Empat, Hutan Melintang, on Saturday night.
Authorities said the elderly suspect had allegedly travelled around 68 kilometres from Sungai Besar, Selangor, on a motorcycle to the premises, reportedly to socialise and dance with female acquaintances.
The joint operation, carried out on April 11, was conducted following public complaints over alleged immoral activities, including inappropriate dancing and indecent behaviour in the open at the venue.
The raid was led by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Bagan Datuk District Police Headquarters together with enforcement officers from the Islamic Religious Department of Perak (JAIPk).
According to JAIPk, the operation involved 10 religious enforcement officers and eight police personnel working together in a coordinated enforcement effort.
Authorities confirmed that 22 people were detained, comprising 10 men and 12 women aged between 22 and 71, all Malaysian nationals.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the premises were being misused as an entertainment centre without complying with the required licensing conditions.
Individuals identified as Muslims among those detained are being investigated under Section 57 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1992 for indecent conduct. If convicted, they may face a fine of up to RM1,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
Police also took action against the operator of the premises for allegedly breaching licence conditions by converting a stall-like structure into an entertainment venue.
Several items, including microphones, speakers and television sets, were seized to assist ongoing investigations.
JAIPk has since reminded Muslims to avoid activities deemed inappropriate and contrary to Islamic teachings, stressing that such behaviour may disturb public order.
The department added that indecent public dancing and similar conduct are unacceptable, particularly for elderly individuals who are expected to serve as role models in society.
