An e-hailing driver’s attempt to hide in a ceiling backfired when he was caught during a suspected adultery raid with a married woman in Johor yesterday.
The pair were apprehended by officers from the Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) following public complaints at a terraced house in the district around 10.30am.
During the operation, the man in his 30s was discovered hiding in the ceiling after his attempt to escape via the back door failed, as officers had already surrounded the premises.
JAINJ revealed the operation was conducted after repeated reports that the e-hailing driver frequently visited the 30-year-old woman’s home while her husband was away at work and their child was at school.
The man had parked his vehicle about a kilometre away to avoid detection by neighbours or authorities. Upon reaching the property, officers found only the woman’s car and an unlocked front gate. Two officers were assigned to monitor the back door while the team entered. The car engine was still warm, indicating she had recently picked up the man.
After knocking on the door for about 10 minutes, a woman dressed provocatively appeared, prompting female officers to instruct her to change into appropriate attire. She claimed to be alone, but officers suspected she was hiding someone inside. Upon inspecting a room, they found the ceiling panel open and, using a chair, discovered the man clinging to a water tank.
Investigations confirmed the man was married and worked part-time as an e-hailing driver. The couple reportedly had known each other for nearly a year without their spouses’ knowledge.
Both were detained and will be charged under Section 27 of the Johor State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1997 for khalwat (close proximity between unmarried individuals).
