Thirty-two Muslims, including six Singaporean nationals, were detained during a New Year’s Eve enforcement operation at an entertainment outlet in Johor early yesterday morning.
The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) said the raid was carried out at about 3.10am and involved 25 men and seven women aged between 18 and 45.
According to JAINJ, most of those detained were visitors from outside Johor who were in the city for the holiday period. Enforcement officers found the individuals seated at tables with alcoholic beverages in front of them.
During the operation, officers secured all entry and exit points of the premises to prevent anyone from fleeing.
All detainees are expected to be charged under Section 19 of the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment for consuming intoxicating drinks. Upon conviction, the offence carries a penalty of a fine of up to RM3,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
