A married man in his 50s and a widow in her 30s were caught in khalwat at a rented house in Johor, where a baby allegedly born from their relationship was also found.
The Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAINJ) said the man admitted during questioning that he had been in an illicit relationship with the woman and had engaged in sexual relations with her several times at the house, resulting in her pregnancy and the birth of the baby.
He reportedly claimed that the woman was his future wife, but JAINJ said no marriage application had been submitted.
“The man admitted that he had previously had relations with the woman several times at the house, resulting in the pregnancy.
“However, when the raid was conducted, they were still not legally married,” JAINJ said in a statement.
During the inspection, enforcement officers found the baby sleeping in a room with the woman. JAINJ said checks showed the baby’s birth documents listed only the mother’s name, with no father’s name.
The man subsequently admitted that he was responsible for the woman’s pregnancy and the birth of the child, according to JAINJ.
The raid was conducted at about 1.15am recently following a public complaint about the couple.
JAINJ said its officers first found a car believed to belong to the man parked outside the house before approaching the premises.
The house door and grille were locked, and repeated knocks and greetings received no response. After more than 25 minutes, the man eventually opened the door after officers warned that they would force it open.
He reportedly claimed that he had not heard the knocking because he was asleep before officers identified themselves and showed their authority cards.
The man then admitted that he was inside with the woman, whom he again described as his future wife.
Further inspection found the woman on a bed with the baby in one of the rooms.
The man reportedly pleaded with officers not to arrest him, but enforcement action proceeded in accordance with the law.
The couple are being investigated under Section 27 of the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 for khalwat, as well as Section 23 of the same enactment.
