A divorced man and a widowed woman were detained by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) after they were allegedly found in close proximity inside a parked bus at a petrol station along Jalan Hang Tuah in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The pair were discovered during an inspection conducted at approximately 1.50am following information received from members of the public.
JAIM director Datuk Md Azhan Samat said the 37-year-old man, who works as the driver of the bus, and the 46-year-old woman were found sleeping next to each other on seats inside the vehicle.
When questioned by enforcement officers, the pair reportedly claimed they had entered the bus to rest after having a meal together and had accidentally fallen asleep.
However, authorities said the man and woman were unable to provide evidence that they were married or shared a lawful family relationship that would permit them to be alone together under Syariah regulations.
The couple were subsequently taken to the JAIM office for documentation and further investigation.
Md Azhan said the case is being investigated under Section 53 of the Melaka Syariah Offences Enactment 1991 for suspected khalwat (close proximity between an unmarried man and woman).
The incident has once again drawn attention to ongoing enforcement efforts by religious authorities in Melaka, with investigations currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the case.
